By Nicole Garcia
Clovis, Calif. (KMPH) -- A Fresno police officer is recovering in the hospital after he was thrown from his motorcycle during a crash. Investigators say a drunk driver crossed the officer's path and caused the accident.
It happened Saturday evening at the intersection of Herndon and Villa in Clovis.
"We saw the gentleman laying in the street in agony. We knew he was alive, he was lifting his head and screaming and when they put him on the stretcher, he let out a good yell," said Judy Barden, who was working in a nearby pumpkin patch when she heard the crash.
"All we heard, no brakes, no nothing. We heard something scraping across the highway which we later believed to be the motorcycle, it went skidding across the highway. Then the gentleman was on the street maybe 15 feet beyond that," said Barden.
Fresno police officer Steve Hunts was off-duty, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle when he smashed into a car.
Clovis police say 24-year-old Adam Tyler's blood alcohol level was above the legal limit at the time of the crash.
They say he pulled out in front of the motorcycle.
Tyler was arrested and is now facing two felony charges.
A preventable tragedy that Clovis Police say is happening way too often.
"Not only have we had numerous DUI arrests, we've had several DUI collisions and injuries. So just a reminder, if you drink, don't drive, find a friend or call a cab," said Clovis police officer Kristina Hershberger.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says he visited Officer Hunts in the hospital and issued this statement: "He is in a lot of pain and very fortunate to be alive. This is yet another tragedy caused by a drunk driver."
