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Murrieta, CA (September 11, 2026) – A Riverside County sheriff’s deputy was injured in a hit-and-run collision on Wednesday morning while conducting a traffic stop in Murrieta. The incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. near Winchester Road and Murrieta Hot Springs Road.
The deputy was outside the patrol vehicle when a passing vehicle struck them and fled. The injured deputy was taken to Inland Valley Hospital with injuries that were not immediately specified.
Police arrested the driver shortly after the vehicle fled the area. The deputy was later reported to be in stable condition. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
We wish the injured deputy a full recovery.
What Should Drivers Do When Passing a Traffic Stop?
Drivers approaching a traffic stop should slow down and give stopped vehicles and people on the roadside as much space as safely possible. California’s move-over requirements are designed to reduce the risk of roadside injuries.
Motorists should remain attentive when passing emergency or stopped vehicles, especially when a person is standing outside a vehicle. Reducing speed provides additional reaction time if someone unexpectedly enters or remains near a travel lane.
Distractions can make roadside hazards harder to recognize. Drivers should stay focused on traffic, avoid phone use, and be ready to adjust their position when conditions require more space.
