West Palm Beach police officer hospitalized after crashing into semi truck

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (CBS12) — A West Palm Beach police officer was rushed to the hospital after a crash involving a vehicle and a semi truck Monday night, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said.

The crash happened around 8:34 p.m.

Sheriff’s investigators say the officer, who was driving an unmarked police car, hit the back of a semi truck.

Authorities say the incident began when the semi truck was hit by a passing pickup truck.

The semi driver pulled over to check on damage to his semi, and also to check on the well-being of the pickup driver.

Sheriff’s investigators say a West Palm Beach Police officer did not notice the semi was stopped and ran into the rear of the semi truck.

The officer was driving an unmarked vehicle when it drove into the semi truck, according to officials at the scene. He is currently in stable condition at St. Mary's Medical Center.

The westbound lanes of Beeline Highway between Jog Road and Northlake Boulevard were closed for several hours, fire officials said.

The police car, a white Ford Crown Victoria, appears to have suffered heavy front end damage.

The unmarked police car’s hood was pushed upward and the front air bag in the steering wheel deployed.

No word yet if anyone is being charged or ticketed in the accident. The investigation is still ongoing.

This is a developing story. Stay with CBS12 for more updates.