Motorist who ran into CHP motorcycle officer admits guilt

An unlicensed driver who backed into a California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer during a traffic stop, injuring the lawman, pleaded guilty this week to assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon and other charges.

Prudencio Xajil Alvarado, 57, admitted the assault count, along with DUI resulting in great bodily injury and being an unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle, as part of a plea deal.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Thomas Kelly scheduled Alvarado’s sentencing for July 10 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

The defendant remained free on $35,000 bail.

About 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18, 2022, the motor officer spotted Alvarado’s Nissan Maxima on Indiana Avenue, just south of the 91 Freeway, in unincorporated Home Gardens, between Riverside and Corona. The officer pulled him over for an unspecified infraction, the CHP has said.

The officer maneuver the motorcycle to a short distance behind Alvarado’s sedan.

“As the officer began to dismount his motorcycle to contact the driver, Alvarado placed the Nissan into reverse and accelerated toward the officer,” Javier Navarro, a CHP officer and spokesman, has said. “The Nissan collided into the motorcycle, disabling it and subsequently causing minor injuries to the officer.”

The lawman immediately arrested the defendant without further incident.

“Alvarado displayed objective signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication,” Navarro said.

The officer was treated but not hospitalized.