Police car crashes into sub shop in south Seattle

A Seattle Police officer and a bicyclist were injured this morning when the officer's car collided with the bicyclist and then plowed into a sandwich shop.

The officer was traveling south in the 5300 block of First Avenue South shortly after 7 a.m. when he apparently veered to the left and collided with the bicyclist, according to Seattle Police Sgt. Deanna Nollette.

"We don't know what point he collided with the bicyclist," said Seattle Police Sgt. Deanna Nollette. "We know something went wrong, but we don't what at this point."

The officer's cruiser then ran into the sub shop, Nollette said. Firefighters had to cut open the squad car to get the officer out.

The officer is not being identified, but he is a 23 year veteran of the department who is currently assigned to the traffic division.

The officer and the man on the bicycle were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where they are being treated for non life-threatening injuries, police said. The cyclist had been wearing a helmet.

A man and woman inside the sub shop when the car ran into it were not injured.

Police are still investigating what caused the accident. Among the factors being looked into are weather conditions, amount of light, speed, the medical conditions of the officer and the cyclist, Nollette said.

Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com