Falling bear causes police car to crash, burst into flames in California

Drop bear? A California police officer claimed a bear fell on his patrol vehicle while he was driving last week, causing him to crash and his car to catch fire. Photo / 123RF

They probably don't train people for this at the Sheriff's Academy.

A patrol car was struck by a falling bear in Northern California last weekend.

Authorities say a Humboldt County sheriff's deputy was driving on State Route 96 on August 3, answering a report of a drug overdose in the community of Orleans, when the bear fell or jumped onto the car, apparently from a steep embankment.

A police car was allegedly hit by a bear before driving into a bank and bursting into flames in California. Photo / Facebook

The bear smashed the hood and windshield. The patrol car hit an embankment, rolled onto its side and burst into flames.

The deputy managed to escape without serious injury.

The fire was contained to about 200 square metres but the car was gutted.

However, the California Department of Transportation stated: "Don't worry, the bear also fled the scene."

CAUTION FALLING BEAR! A Humboldt County Sherriff’s patrol vehicle was struck by a falling bear while traveling north on...

Posted by Caltrans District 1 on Wednesday, 7 August 2019

-AP