Updated: Two-Car Collision Involving Police Cruiser Responsible for Power Outage

Updated at 11:57 a.m. Jan. 7

A two-vehicle collision involving a police cruiser on a Rancho Bernardo street sent one person to a hospital today and damaged roadside utility equipment, knocking out power to thousands of homes and businesses in the surrounding area.

The crash occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on Camino del Norte, just west of Interstate 15, authorities said.

The involved El Cajon Police Department sergeant, who was on his way to work when the accident occurred, was unhurt, ECPD Lt. Steve Shakowski said. Someone in the other car was taken to an emergency room for treatment of injuries of undisclosed severity.

One of the out-of-control vehicles hit a utility box, leaving more than 3,000 addresses without power, according to San Diego Gas & Electric. By late morning, crews had restored service to all but 429 customers in Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, San Pasqual and the Del Dios and Lake Hodges areas. Power was expected to be fully restored to all affected communities by 1 p.m., according to SDG&E.

—City News Service

Original Story

Lights are out for hundreds of customers in the Rancho Bernardo and Rancho Penasquitos area Monday after a vehicle crashed into a power box on Paseo Montanoso.

The crash, which involved a police patrol car, sent one person to a nearby hospital, according to a U-T San Diego report.

According to SDG&E, 429 customers in the area lost power around 5:58 a.m. Monday. Power is expected to be restored around 1 p.m.

Stay with Patch for more information as it becomes available.