SAN DIEGO - A two-vehicle collision involving a police cruiser on a Rancho Bernardo street sent one person to a hospital Monday and damaged roadside utility equipment, knocking out power to thousands of homes and businesses in the surrounding area.

The crash occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on Camino del Norte, just west of Interstate 15, authorities said.

The involved El Cajon Police Department sergeant, who was on his way to work when the accident occurred, was unhurt, ECPD Lt. Steve Shakowski said. A person in the other car was taken to an emergency room for treatment of injuries of undisclosed severity.

One of the out-of-control vehicles hit a utility box, leaving more than 3,000 addresses without power, according to San Diego Gas & Electric. By late morning, crews had restored service to all but 429 customers in Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, San Pasqual and the Del Dios and Lake Hodges areas.

Power was fully restored to all affected communities as of 1 p.m., according to SDG&E.