Investigation underway after a weekend crash involving Lindsay police and a suspected DUI driver

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Three people, including two Lindsay Police Officers, are recovering after a crash Saturday evening.

It all started when the officers spotted a BMW SUV wanted as part of an active investigation.

When they attempted to pull over the driver near Hermosa and Westwood, the SUV sped off.

The officers followed but when they reached the intersection of Avenue 216 and Road 232, a Toyota pickup truck blew a stop sign and slammed into the police cruiser.

RELATED: Two Lindsay Police officers, civilian injured in pursuit-related crash in Tulare County

"Both of those vehicles rolled over several times. Both came to rest on the driver's side of both vehicles. The officer that was driving the police unit was able to extricate himself through the windshield," explains Lindsay Police Department's Interim Chief, Nicholas Nave.

The driver of the pickup and the two officers were taken to the hospital.

One officer was still in the hospital recovering on Monday. The other had been released.

The California Highway Patrol says the driver of the Toyota truck is 61-year-old Jose Placencia Mireles of Strathmore.

He is still recovering from serious injuries and is suspected of driving drunk.

"We always discourage people from drinking and driving. Designate a driver, and make good choices ahead of time," expresses interim Chief Nave.

Those who live and work in this area are urging caution on backroads.

Saul Ramos, whose son is a police officer, says the crash hit close to home.

"It impacted us because we know the officer who was driving," expresses Saul.

And the message from Lindsay Police to the driver of that BMW that sped away...

"Ultimately, when we have enough evidence to make an arrest, we will be doing so, and they will be facing aggravated charges because of the circumstances surrounding the injuries of the parties involved in the pursuit," mentions interim Chief Nave.

The California Highway Patrol is now leading the investigation. They say it will be extensive and could take nearly a year to complete.

For South Valley news updates, follow Kassandra Gutierrez on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.