Search Continues for Driver Who Hit LA Deputy in Commerce

The deputy was taken to the hospital but is now home recovering after the early morning incident.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:23am

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Authorities are searching for a driver who hit a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy in the city of Commerce early Wednesday. According to police, the driver was doing donuts just before crashing into the deputy, who was in his car at a gas station. The deputy was taken to the hospital but is now home and doing okay, according to a department spokesperson. After the crash, the driver fled the scene and ended up in East Los Angeles, where they are believed to have rammed into at least two other cars.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face on the job, as well as the need for accountability when drivers flee the scene of a crash. The search for the suspect is ongoing, and the community is concerned about public safety in the area.

The details

According to the report, the driver was doing donuts in their vehicle just before crashing into the deputy's car at the gas station. The impact was significant enough to send the deputy to the hospital, though he has since been released and is recovering at home. After the initial crash, the driver fled the scene and ended up in East Los Angeles, where they allegedly rammed into at least two other vehicles before abandoning their car and escaping on foot.

  • The incident occurred early Wednesday morning in the city of Commerce.
  • The driver is believed to have rammed into at least two other cars in East Los Angeles shortly after the initial crash.

The players

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the incident and searching for the suspect driver.

Unidentified Driver

The driver who crashed into the deputy's car at the gas station and then fled the scene, eventually ending up in East Los Angeles where they allegedly caused additional damage.

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What they’re saying

“The truck was really smashed. It's bad, he should have stayed behind, but he just took off. he even locked his car, I think too.”

— Unidentified Car Owner (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The search for the suspect driver is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help locate the individual.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, and the importance of holding drivers accountable when they flee the scene of a crash. The community is concerned about public safety, and the search for the suspect is a top priority for local authorities.