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Tapes Show Blue Line Train Ran Red Signal Before Hitting Cop Car
Investigation of Wednesday's Metro Blue Line versus Long Beach PD patrol car crash has netted videotape footage showing the train running a red light, according to the LA Times .
"Two tapes indicate that the southbound train rolled through the red signal about 1 p.m. and collided with the patrol car in the intersection of Long Beach Boulevard and 16th Street, Long Beach police said Friday." The images were captured "by outward facing cameras mounted on the southbound train and a northbound Blue Line train that had stopped at the light and was not involved in the accident."
At the time of the accident the patrol vehicle and pedestrians had a green signal to go; an investigation by MTA--who have not commented on the tapes--will determine if the train operator was somehow unable to see the red signal, and if the signals were functioning appropriately. The force of the train caused the patrol vehicle to be pushed over 100 feet. The officer, a 4-year LBPD veteran, remains hospitalized for his non-life threatening injuries. Passengers on board the Blue Line train were treated for minor injuries as well.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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