4 LAPD officers injured after 2 patrol cars crash in downtown Los Angeles

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Four Los Angeles police officers were injured after two patrol cars responding to a backup call crashed in downtown L.A.

The collision occurred around 12:30 a.m. Thursday at 11th and Santee streets. It's unclear exactly how or why the two vehicles crashed into each other at the intersection.

Following the collision, one patrol car, a Dodge Charger, slammed into a light pole and the other, a Ford Explorer, drove onto the sidewalk, stopping just short of hitting the side of a building.

All four officers, two in each patrol car, were rushed to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. Authorities said all suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

One officer was being kept under observation for a possible concussion, while the other three were released.

Police said the officers were responding to a call for backup regarding a foot pursuit. The suspect, who was wanted for felony vandalism, was eventually caught and arrested.

Officials said such accidents are unfortunately very common.

"Anytime this stuff happens, it rattles the PD," said LAPD Capt. Jeff Burt. "Law enforcement in the United States loses their life more to traffic collisions than any other type of violent act."

The intersection was closed down as investigators were on scene tried to piece together what happened.