La Habra police officer hospitalized in critical condition after violent motorcycle crash

LA HABRA, Calif. (KABC) -- A La Habra police officer was hospitalized Thursday morning after a motorcycle crash, authorities said.

The collision occurred around 9:15 a.m. at the intersection of Lambert Road and Walnut Street.

Investigators said the officer, who was on his motorcycle, was traveling east on Lambert Road when a minivan attempted to make a left turn onto Walnut Street. The officer slammed into the passenger side of the vehicle.

The force of the crash ejected the officer onto the street and ripped the front wheel off the motorcycle.

The officer, whose name was not released, was sent to the UCI Medical Center. Police said the officer is "in critical but stable condition."

"Thank you to the public for all the prayers and positive messages we have received. In addition, we would like to thank our partner agencies that helped us during this critical incident," said police in a statement.

Video from AIR7 showed the wreckage of the motorcycle in the middle of the intersection, with debris scattered nearby. The minivan with its passenger-side door open was stopped in a crosswalk.

John Magor lives on Walnut Street near the intersection and said this isn't the first time something like this has happened.

"Today, somebody was very seriously injured," he said. "I probably use this intersection five to 10 times a day, so it's always kind of dicey getting through this intersection, whether you're making a left or proceeding straight. You have to really keep your head on a swivel."

He said he's furious since there isn't a green arrow signal at the busy intersection.

"People are proceeding when they think it's clear and many, many times, there's been collisions at this very intersection," said Magor.

"That police officer knew the area well," he added. "He was familiar with the area and he still ended up in an incident like this, which is really alarming. It should be a red flag."

He's hoping this latest crash leads to change.

"I'm heartbroken for the officer and the city of La Habra and the police department," Magor said. "It hurts. It didn't have to be that way if we could just make some changes to this traffic signal."

The collision is being investigated by CHP.

Anyone with information was asked to call La Habra police at 562-383-4300.