Garden Grove police officer in critical condition after being hit by car while chasing suspect

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. () — A Garden Grove police officer was hospitalized Sunday morning after he was hit by a car while he was chasing a suspect through a neighborhood.

The incident happened just after midnight near Stanford Avenue and Brookhurst Street.

Police received a report about a man with a knife who was reportedly assaulting a clerk at a nearby 7-Eleven.

“The suspect ignored officers commands and a foot pursuit ensued,” said the Garden Grove Police Department in a statement.

While officers were chasing the suspect, who’s been identified as 34-year-old Lonnie Johnson, one of the officers was hit by a car. The injured officer remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to police.

The suspect has since been arrested and is facing three felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, felony criminal threats, and a felony obstruction charge.

Meantime, the driver who hit the officer remained on the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

“Thank you to AnaheimPD, OrangePD, CHP and any other agencies who assisted in getting our officer safely to the hospital, the investigation, or assisted in getting the suspect in custody,” said the department.

The incident remains under investigation.