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Propane Truck Hits CHP Patrol Car On Highway 20, Officer Injured

BROWNS VALLEY (CBS13) – A California Highway Patrol officer was injured after his car was hit by a propane truck Thursday morning.

The crash happened on Highway 20, west of Marysville Road in the Browns Valley area.

CHP says Officer Eric Dryden was driving in his patrol car west on SR-20 when, around 9 a.m., he spotted someone speeding in the opposite direction. Officer Dryden began to slow down and turn left, but a propane tanker right behind him also turned left to try and avoid the patrol car.

Related: CHP Officer Seriously Injured By DUI Suspect

The truck then crashed into the left front door area of the patrol car, CHP says. Officer Dryden suffered moderate injuries in the crash and has been taken to Rideout Hospital.

The truck driver, 62-year-old Grass Valley resident Larry Smith, was not injured.

CHP: Wrong-Way Driver Traveled More Than 5 Miles Before Crash That Killed 4

Investigators say drugs or alcohol did not contribute to the crash.

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