photo by Edwin Folven

Two officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division were treated for minor injuries Tuesday after their patrol car was struck by two vehicles as they were responding to a stabbing call at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vine Street.

The collision occurred at approximately 2:55 p.m. as the officers entered the intersection with their vehicle’s emergency lights and siren activated. According to Sgt. L. Parry, with the LAPD’s Hollywood Division, the patrol car was struck by two private vehicles that failed to yield.

“Generally, that’s the case,” Parry said. “People don’t [stop]. Unfortunately, this is what happens.”

The officers complained of minor injuries and were treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and released. The other motorists involved were not injured.

Parry said the stabbing occurred in the parking lot of a Yoshinoya restaurant at the intersection. The victim suffered a superficial wound to the arm and refused medical treatment. The suspect fled the scene.

Lt. Marc Reina, with the LAPD’s Hollywood Division, said the stabbing stemmed from an argument. No arrest was made, and no suspect description was available. Traffic was diverted on to streets around the intersection for at least two hours, causing significant delays during the afternoon rush hour.