Video: Collision launches motorcycle cop into fountain

That’s the case with this yet-unnamed Los Angeles Police Department motorcycle officer, who was stopped by the entrance to the University of Southern California when the unthinkable happened.

Here’s where it gets a little worse. KABC reports that the black SUV was driven by Mayor James Butts of nearby suburb Inglewood. Previously, Mayor Butts had served as a motorcycle officer with the Inglewood police, and he was hit twice by cars while riding.

I’m thinking it’s for the best that there was a fountain full of water to catch the rider, but I’ll defer to Dr. Kaplan on that one. All I know is that if I were to get slapped into a fountain by an SUV, I’d sure like a helmet, and every bit of moto gear I own. I think this officer's lid might have saved his life.

Police say the silver car had a green light, and Mayor Butts was waiting to make a left. No charges have been made yet in this incident. 

In a statement, Mayor Butts said, "I am thankful the occupants of the other vehicle were uninjured. I am thankful that the Motorcycle Officer is expected to make a full recovery. He has been on my mind and heart since the accident. I was a Motorcycle officer with Inglewood Police and was hit twice by cars myself. It is a dangerous job. I was so grateful to see that he was alert and communicative at the scene. I pray for his speedy recovery."

The officer suffered broken bones and other injuries, but is expected to recover. The officer’s injuries are tragic, but this accident could have been lethal if anyone but a motorcyclist was standing there.