SAN DIEGO — A San Diego police officer was recovering in a hospital Monday from severe injuries, including the partial loss of a leg, he suffered in an off-duty weekend motorcycle accident on an East County road.
Sex-crimes Detective James “Chappie” Hunter was riding to the east on Alpine Boulevard when a teenage student driver made a left turn directly in front of him near East Victoria Drive shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The impact threw Hunter, 41, into the windshield of the girl’s car, breaking his left arm, severing his left leg below the knee and leaving him with internal injuries. Medics airlifted him to Sharp Memorial Hospital.
Longtime friend Chris Van Wagenen got the news shortly after the accident.
“The first thought that I had is you know he’s got to meet certain physical requirements to be a law enforcement officer,” said Van Wagenen. “So I’m still concerned about that. But the reality is he is a competitor. I’ve always known him to be that and so I’m not really worried. I know he’s going to pull through, but were just going to kind of help him out as he goes along.”
“Chappie” at Alpha Warrior course (Facebook)
Hunter has been with the San Diego Police Department for 19 years and was formally in the SDPD sex trafficking unit, according to SDPD public affairs.
“He’s currently in the sex crimes unit,” said Van Wagenen. “He’s taught human trafficking classes. Very well respected amongst his peers.”
San Diego Police Officers were seen throughout the day at Sharp Memorial Hospital. Chief William Lansdowne was among those who visited.
A friend of the injured detective said Hunter competed in the Alpha Warrior course at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday, stating that “he was in the best shape of his life.”
The San Diego Police Officers Association has set up a fund for anyone interested in donating to “Chappie” and his family.
It was unknown if the teen would face charges. The teen driver had her learner’s permit and was accompanied by her mother, CHP Officer Kevin Pearlstein said. He said the collision was under investigation and the final report was expected to be completed in a couple of weeks.
Read more: http://fox5sandiego.com/2013/06/17/off-duty-cop-loses-leg-in-crash-with-teen/#ixzz2WaYKCXP8
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