A Palm Springs, California, Police officer working a parade Saturday night crashed into the crowd and 12 people were injured, including the officer.
The city’s Festival of Lights Parade typically draws 80,000 to 100,000 spectators, officials say.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills says the officer crashed into the crowd because he lost control of the motorcycle.
“An officer was on his motorcycle and doing crowd control as well as some demonstrations,” Mills told television station KESQ. “When he turned around the back side of a car, he lost his balance on the bike. His foot slipped off the peg and it caused him to have to grip the handlebars, which caused the bike to accelerate at a rapid speed.”
Of the 12 people injured, including the officer, three remain hospitalized, Mills said Sunday. The officer, identified as Ken Merenda, suffered a severe wrist injury but is expected to regain mobility in his hand, the Palm Springs Post reports.
The California Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into the motorcycle crash. The Palm Springs Police Department is also performing an internal review.
