LAPD Officer Injured In Fatal Wreck Is Recovering
BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA.com) — A Los Angeles police officer injured Friday in a deadly collision in Beverly Hills was recovering.
The officer, identified only as Stephanie, reportedly told LAPD Officer Erik Helmstetter that she was still sore on Saturday, according to KNX 1070's Margaret Carrero.
Officials said it was possible Stephanie could be released from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as early as Sunday.
Stephanie's partner, LAPD Officer Nicholas Lee, died at the scene following the Friday morning collision with the runaway trash hauler.
The incident unfolded about 8 a.m. on Loma Vista Drive between Robert Lane and Doheny Road.
The 40-year-old Lee was a 16-year veteran of the department who had received over 70 commendations. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.
Prior to the crash, Lee and Stephanie were responding to a call of unknown trouble. Both worked at the LAPD's Hollywood Division.
"The big question is going to be the interaction. How did those two interact? What caused that truck to interact with this patrol car," said CHP Officer Leland Tang on Friday.
The driver of the trash hauler was also hospitalized. He is listed in serious condition.
Stephanie's colleagues told CBS2's Art Barron that the injured officer wanted everyone's focus on her late partner.
"I just spoke with her. She's obviously up and around. She's talking. She's walking around, she looks well," said LAPD Officer Erik Helmstetter. "She wants the focus to be on Officer Lee, her partner. She wants everyone to send their blessings, their thoughts and their prayers to his family."
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