Sheriff’s vehicle hits guard rail

A Pima County Sheriff’s deputy from the Green Valley station hit a guard rail along Interstate 19 early Sunday morning, mangling about 25 feet of rail and backing up the freeway.

The accident occurred just before 3 a.m. on northbound I-19, just south of Esperanza Boulevard. The deputy, who was not identified, lost control of the patrol vehicle and drove into the rail, according to District Commander Lt. Sandy Rosenthal.

No other vehicles were involved, he said. The crash is under investigation, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The deputy was injured, but no details were provided on the extent of his injuries.

Border Patrol agents assisted in shutting down the freeway at Canoa Road while crews worked to clear debris, a witness said.