CHP officer injured in Petaluma crash returns to job

<p>CHP Sgt. Todd Overzet returned to his job patrolling Marin County roadways Monday, just under a year since he was seriously injured near Petaluma in a Lakeville Highway collision.</p><p>CHP officials Tuesday announced his return with a press release, praising the veteran sergeant's determination that helped him recover and get back to work, as well as thanking local communities and law enforcement agencies for supporting the man and his family. </p><p>Overzet was struck by a car on May 12 as he rode his CHP motorcycle to a crash on Lakeville Highway.</p><p>A 73-year-old Novato woman started a U-turn as Overzet began to pass her. She turned into the motorcycle, knocking him from the bike.</p><p>He suffered 15 injuries, at least one, a torn aorta, that threatened his life. Overzet also had a fractured right forearm and bruised internal organs. He was treated at Stanford Medical Center.</p><p>“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the communities of Marin and Sonoma County for their outpouring of concern and support for me during my recovery over the last year,” Overzet said in a statement.</p><p>He also thanked Stanford Medical Hospital and San Mateo County's law enforcement community, which provided support for his family during his hospital stay.</p><p>“My family and I were very well taken care of during this difficult time and are eternally grateful to the people of these counties for all that they did on our behalf,” Overzet said. “I thank God for the blessing of working in this place for people such as you, and restoring my health to the point where I may once again resume my duties with the CHP.”</p>