Two deputies escaped serious injury when their patrol cars collided Wednesday evening. About 6:35, the two cars were traveling westbound on Highway 62 at Arizona Street, just east of the CHP station, when one unit was rear-ended by the other. One patrol car rolled over, landing on its roof in the desert on the south side of the highway. The other patrol unit came to a stop on the north shoulder of the highway. Both deputies had to be extricated using the Jaws of Life, and were taken to Hi-Desert Medical Center. One deputy, Brandon Abell, suffered just minor injuries; the second deputy, who has not been identified, had more serious injuries, but both were treated and released. Highway 62 was closed in both directions until just after 9 p.m. Traffic was diverted onto dirt roads south of the hospital and Sheriff’s station. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
