Officer Injured in Trash Truck Collision

 A California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer was injured in a collision with a trash truck in Chatsworth Friday, authorities said.

The crash at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Nordhoff Street was reported at 12:59 p.m., according to CHP Officer Patrick Kimball.

Paramedics transported the officer in serious condition to a nearby trauma center, said fire department spokesman Erik Scott. The  officer's injuries were later described as moderate, Kimball said.

It's unknown if the driver of the privately owned trash truck was hurt.

The crash temporarily shut down all lanes on Topanga Canyon Boulevard at Nordhoff Street for the crash investigation, said Los Angeles police Officer Marlena Guzman of Valley Traffic Division.

"We are waiting for the investigation to be completed before we open the street back up," Guzman said. "But I can't tell you how long that will take."

The LAPD recommended motorists heading north and south use De Soto or Tampa avenues, and east- and westbound drivers could use Roscoe Boulevard or Lassen Street as alternative routes.

--City News Service