TURLOCK, Calif. -- A police sergeant sustained major injuries after he was struck by a car Friday night as he held two potential burglary suspects at gunpoint in a neighborhood.
Turlock police said the driver hit the sergeant while he was in the street. They said their preliminary investigation indicates the driver did not see the sergeant because of the low level of lighting, the sergeant's dark-colored, nonreflective uniform and other factors.
"At this point, it appears to be a tragic accident," Lt. Nino Amirfar said Saturday. "She (the driver) was extremely distraught, which is understandable."
Authorities identified the sergeant as Anthony Silva, who has been with the department for more than 23 years. Amirfar said Silva underwent surgery Saturday morning at a local hospital and is in stable condition.
Amirfar declined to comment on Silva's injuries other than calling them serious because of privacy concerns. Amirfar said the impact propelled Silva onto the car's windshield. The car was traveling south at 25 to 30 mph along the two-lane residential street; there is no evidence the driver applied her brakes.
The incident happened about 6:30 p.m. in the 100 block of South Berkeley Street, just south of East Avenue. Silva was the first officer on scene to investigate a report of a possible burglary in progress.
While holding two suspects at gunpoint on the west side of South Berkeley, Silva stepped into the street. He may have done that to find cover behind a tree, fence or other object, Amirfar said.
The two male suspects fled after Silva was struck. Amirfar said police did not find evidence of a break-in. Amirfar said that may be because Silva interrupted the burglars.
Amirfar declined to release the name of the driver. He said chaplains have met with her, and the Police Department will continue to provide her with support.
Amirfar said during Silva's tenure with Turlock police, he has worked in special investigations, field training and as a supervisor of new officers. His current assignment is in field operations, which includes patrol, traffic, street crimes and gangs.
In a news release, Police Chief Rob Jackson asked residents to keep Silva and his family in their thoughts and prayers. Amirfar said cards and letters for Silva can be sent to the Police Department, 900 N. Palm St., Turlock 95380. Do not send monetary donations.
Copyright 2012 - The Modesto Bee
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
