September 17, 2024 – Nevada City Police Department officials report that on September 15, 2024, just before 1:00 A.M., two officers from the Nevada City Police Department responded to a call for service of a vehicle hitting a bear on Southbound Highway 49, just past the Broad Street onramp. When the officers arrived on the scene, they located the deceased bear blocking part of the highway. The driver who struck the bear had stopped and was uninjured, but their vehicle was heavily damaged and still on the highway.

As the officers were setting flares for traffic control on the highway to ensure the safety of other vehicles, a driver drove through the flares and struck both officers. One of the officers was able to radio for emergency medical aid and assistance arrived shortly after. Both officers were transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, one via MedFlight and the other by ambulance ground transport. The driver was confirmed to be under the influence at the time and arrested by CHP on felony charges.

Remarkably, both officers are recovering well and have been discharged from the hospital. We want to personally thank the community for all of the support, thoughts and prayers, and the other local agencies who were all so quick to reach out and provide assistance.

Once again, this shows the dangers of driving while intoxicated, and our agency very nearly lost two exceptional people due to poor choices. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Thank you.

Source: Nevada City Police Department