Deputy critically injured after being struck by suspect's SUV in Paramount

PARAMOUNT, Calif. - A sheriff's deputy is fighting for her life after she was struck by an SUV driven by a suspected drunk driver in Paramount Monday evening, officials said. 

The 25-year-old female deputy was hit by a suspect's car shortly before 6 p.m. in the area of Downey Avenue and Alondra Boulevard while investigating an emergency call, according to the L.A. Sheriff's Department.

The vehicle that struck the deputy was not related to the initial call for service, the Sheriff's Department said.

Sheriff Villanueva said the injured deputy was investigating a report of a 25-year-old suspicious man who was acting erratically in the 8500 block of Alondra Boulevard. Before the deputy even exited her vehicle, she was assaulted by this suspect, according to Villanueva, who began punching her through the window of her patrol car.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Dakota Palanca. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)

The deputy has been identified as 25-year-old Dakota Palanca. 

The deputy was able to open her door and began chasing the suspect. While attempting to cross the intersection of Alondra and Downey, the deputy was struck by a Chevrolet Suburban traveling eastbound on Alondra, Villanueva said.

The driver of the Suburban was taken into custody initially for assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer following a brief struggle, according to authorities. Villanueva said the driver of the Suburban was then determined to be driving under the influence and was arrested for felony DUI.

(FOX 11)

SkyFOX aerial footage showed an ambulance transporting the injured deputy to the hospital along with an LASD escort. The deputy is in serious condition, according to the Sheriff's Department. Authorities said later Monday night that the deputy was in critical condition at the hospital.

Deputy Palanca was being treated in Lynwood at St. Francis Medical Center.

On Tuesday, things seemed to be looking brighter for the deputy. LASD said, "We are pleased to share our deputy has been responsive to treatment, however, she is facing a long road to recovery. She is surrounded by family, to include the military and expanded law enforcement community. We appreciate the outpouring of support."

Deputy Palanca is a 5-year veteran with the force. 

No further details were immediately known. The investigation is ongoing.