At approximately 0030 hrs this morning (9/15/24), two officers from the Nevada City Police Department responded to a call for service of a vehicle hitting a bear on southbound Highway 49, just past the Broad Street onramp.
When officers arrived on the scene, they located the deceased bear blocking part of the highway. The driver who struck the bear had stopped and was uninjured, but their vehicle was heavily damaged and still on the highway.
As the officers were setting flares for traffic control on the highway to ensure the safety of other vehicles, a driver drove through the flares and struck both officers.
One of the officers was able to radio for emergency medical aid, and assistance arrived shortly after. Both officers were transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, one via MedFlight and the other by ambulance ground transport.
Thankfully, both officers are doing well and are expected to be released later today after being treated for their injuries.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the officers was identified as Geoffrey Rodgers (28 years of age), and he was arrested on scene by California Highway Patrol for felony driving under the influence.