CHP officer hospitalized after being struck on 5 Fwy in Sylmar; all lanes reopened

SYLMAR, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A California Highway Patrol officer was hospitalized with major injuries early Sunday after being struck by a vehicle on the 5 Freeway in Sylmar, authorities said.

The collision happened as the officer was attempting to assist another driver who had crashed on the freeway.

A Sigalert was issued and all southbound lanes were closed for hours after the incident as an investigation got underway.

The collision occurred shortly before 3:30 a.m. just south of the Newhall Pass and the 14 Freeway, according to the CHP. The officer had responded to a disabled vehicle that had crashed into the center divider at the scene. The officer was outside of his patrol car when he was hit by a black Tesla.

He was transported to a medical center and was undergoing surgery.

"It is very hard for all of us," said CHP Sgt. Dan Keene. "Because CHP officers do put their lives on the line every day for the community to keep everyone safe. Especially this individual who was disabled in lanes. It's very scary for them and that's our job to be there and provide safety for the motoring public."

The driver who struck the officer remained at the crash site and was cooperating with authorities, a CHP spokesperson said. No arrest was announced.

After a preliminary investigation, the driver was not suspected of DUI, a Highway Patrol spokesman said.

All lanes were reopened around 10:30 a.m.