A police traffic officer in Palm Springs, California, reportedly trying to show off on a motorcycle, crashed into bystanders during the city’s annual holiday parade, injuring ten people, authorities and witnesses said.
The incident occurred Saturday evening at the 32nd annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade, which typically attracts 80,000 to 100,000 spectators. The officer, whose name has not been released, and the other injured individuals were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. According to the Palm Springs Post, the officer may have suffered a traumatic wrist injury.
Witnesses told The Desert Sun that the officer appeared to be performing a wheelie when he lost control of his motorcycle, which slid into the crowd, halting the event for over an hour.
Emergency responders participating in the parade, along with fire trucks and ambulances decorated with holiday lights, provided immediate assistance to the injured.
“I feel terrible about the accident and injuries to the very people we protect,” Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said in a Facebook statement.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash and is seeking witness videos to help clarify the circumstances.
