A man suspected of driving under the influence struck a sheriff’s patrol car in West Hollywood on July 31 and was arrested for DUI. Authorities believe the driver may have also been texting prior to the accident.

The collision injured a deputy and damaged a patrol car on Santa Monica Boulevard. (photo courtesy of LASD)

The collision occurred at approximately 2 a.m. in the 8900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard as the unidentified deputy was making contact with another motorist he had stopped. As he stood next to the driver’s side of the vehicle he pulled over, the deputy glanced over his shoulder and saw a Mercedes Benz SUV traveling toward him, according to Deputy Juanita Navarro-Suarez, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The deputy attempted to jump out of the way as the SUV struck the patrol car. The momentum caused the police vehicle to move forward and strike the deputy. He was thrown onto the hood and then fell to the ground.

The deputy, who was described as a nine-year veteran of the department, used his radio to notify authorities at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. He was taken to a hospital, treated and released. The severity of his injuries was not disclosed, but they were non-life threatening.

The suspect and the occupants of the vehicle that was originally pulled over were not injured.

The suspect was identified as Bruno Carvalho Alcantara, 26, of Los Angeles. He was taken to the sheriff’s station and booked, and released later pending upcoming court proceedings. Investigators are expected to submit the case soon to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for the formal filing of charges.