CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A Lucerne man was injured Tuesday when he was hit by a car after trying to help apprehend a shoplifting suspect in Clearlake.

Christopher Sorenson Jr., 20, was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 53 shortly after 2:30 p.m., according to a report from Clearlake Police Sgt. Tim Celli.

Clearlake Police investigating the crash found that Sorenson had apparently exited another vehicle near the intersection of Highway 53 and Dam Road after he saw a Ray's Food Place employee chasing an alleged shoplifter, Celli said.

Sorenson had decided to join the foot chase, Celli said. As Sorenson crossed the highway, he was struck by a Nissan SUV driven by 37-year-old Clearlake resident Shanti Gallon, who was traveling at about 40 miles per hour.

Celli said Highway 53's southbound lanes near the intersection were shut down for approximately an hour as the investigation took place.

Sorenson was transported to St. Helena Hospital Clearlake where he was treated for his injuries. Celli reported that Sorenson was in stable condition Tuesday evening.

The alleged shoplifting suspect that was being chased was not captured and has not bee identified, Celli said.

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