A California Highway Patrol officer trying to slow traffic on Highway 99 was injured when a driver crashed into the back of his patrol car.

The officer was hospitalized for minor injuries following Sunday’s crash and has since been released, said CHP spokesperson Eric Parsons.

The collision was reported to the Turlock Police Department shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday on southbound Highway 99, between Linwood and Lander avenues.

The officer was performing a traffic break, which entails driving in a slow zig-zag pattern to slow traffic down. Parsons said it is usually used when there is an accident up ahead of traffic or debris in the road.

A Cadillac Escalade, driven by Nicanor Ceja of Talmage failed to slow with the traffic and collided with the back of the patrol car, Parsons said.

The impact caused extensive damage to the rear of the patrol car.

Ceja sustained minor injuries, but refused medical aid.

The collision remains under investigation.