More details revealed in deputy-involved crash

COVINA -- More details regarding the ongoing investigation of a deputy-involved crash that sent both the deputy and a 72-year-old racehorse trainer to the hospital with major injuries.

Officials now believe the patrol car drove through a red light at 40-50 mph prior to the crash while responding to report of a man with a gun.

Here's an excerpt from a story running in tommorrow's Tribune:

COVINA -- A horse trainer well known within the Southern California racing circuit remained hospitalized Sunday after his car was hit by a sheriff's patrol vehicle.
Arthur Lerille, 72, of San Dimas suffered broken bones and other serious injuries after the patrol car drove through a red light at Arrow Highway and Sunflower Avenue while responding to an emergency call Saturday morning, officials and family members said.
Deputy Brian Harper, 39, of the Los Angeles County sheriff's San Dimas Station also suffered serious injuries, including possible broken bones around his spinal column in the crash, sheriff's and California Highway Patrol officials said.
Sheriff's officials said Sunday Harper's condition was improving, though his prospects for recovery remained uncertain.
"We're hoping for the best obviously," Sgt. Richard Ramirez of the sheriff's San Dimas Station said. "I don't think anyone can say at this point in time what the outcome's going to be."
He added Harper has been with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for more than a decade, and described him as, "an excellent deputy," and, "a good example to follow."
Lerille, a longtime racehorse trainer, was taking his usual route to work at Santa Anita Park when the crash occurred, his wife of 13 years, Cindy Lerille, said.
He suffered a serious injury to his arm which would require surgery, she said, as well as a head injury that's caused significant memory loss.
Arthur Lerille's injured arm, his wife added, had not fully recovered from a previous injury suffered at Santa Anita Park during the Sierra Madre Earthquake in 1991, in which a beam fell on his arm and killed another woman.
"Whether his arm can be repaired, I don't know," Cindy Lerille said.
She added her husband has no memory of the crash, and even has difficulty recognizing her at times.
He is expected to be transferred from an intensive care unit to Arcadia Methodist Hospital today, Cindy Lerille said.