LAX motorcycle cop injured by hit-and-run driver in Playa del Rey

A motorist who plowed into a Los Angeles Airport Police motorcycle officer in Playa del Rey and then ran from the scene as the officer lay injured on the car windshield was arrested early Tuesday, according to police.

The officer was riding a department motorcycle around 12:10 a.m. near the intersection of Pershing Drive and West Manchester Avenue when he collided with the car, spokesman Officer Rob Pedregon said.

The officer was ejected from the motorcycle and landed on the vehicle’s windshield.

That’s when the vehicle’s four occupants got out and ran into a nearby neighborhood.

Police surrounded the area and began searching for the occupants.

Several hours later, police found the occupants and identified the driver.

The driver, Francisco Arreola, 28, was taken into custody on suspicion of hit-and-run and driving under the influence, Pedregon said. Both offenses are felonies.

The officer, who is a 14-year veteran with the department, was taken to an area hospital, where he is listed in fair condition.

He suffered two broken wrists, cuts and bruises. The officer underwent surgery in which doctors placed pins in his wrists, Pedregon said.

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