Damaged police cruiser outside the Tower BAr
The damaged police cruiser outside the Tower Bar. Courtesy OnScene.TV

A hit-and-run accident that sent a police car into the Tower Bar damaged the historic Art Deco structure in the City Heights neighborhood.

The police cruiser was sideswiped by a hit-and-run driver around 1:15 a.m. The collision sent the cruiser into the tower and trapped the officer until San Diego Fire-Rescue paramedics arrived.

A videographer on the scene said the building at 4757 University Avenue appeared to have sustained extensive damage.

The officer was transported to to a local hospital for evaluation.

The Tower Bar was built in 1932 as a drive-in soda fountain. It survived a car crash in 1964.

— From Staff and Wire Reports

Chris Jennewein

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.