Moorpark, CA — A California Highway Patrol officer is recovering after a terrifying head-on collision on Grimes Canyon Road left him and two others injured late Saturday night, according to CHP.
The crash occurred around 11 p.m. when the officer, assigned to the CHP Moorpark Area, was driving south on Grimes Canyon Road near Moorpark. That’s when a northbound Chevrolet pickup truck crossed the double yellow lines and slammed head-on into the patrol vehicle, officers said.
The impact left both the CHP officer and a 40-year-old woman from Chatsworth, who was riding as a passenger in the truck, with major injuries. The driver of the pickup, identified as 34-year-old Derek Skinner of Santa Paula, walked away with only minor injuries.
All three were rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, CHP says everyone involved is expected to make a full recovery.
Investigators believe alcohol played a role in the crash. According to CHP, Skinner failed to maintain his lane before drifting across the center line and colliding with the patrol car. He was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail on charges of driving under the influence causing bodily injury.
The crash shut down Grimes Canyon Road for nearly three hours while CHP investigated the scene, with help from the Moorpark and Fillmore police departments, along with Ventura County Fire crews.
CHP is asking anyone with additional information about the crash to contact the Moorpark Area Office at 805-553-0800.