Oh wow thanks for the really prompt response. I did a little more testing, with my other police vehicles and abusing them through pursuits and drive bys, and they have yet to cause anything.
With your Cruiser I let it spawn naturally through wanted level NPCs and got into a little chase. Colliding with them and destroying lights seems to have no problem, and I shot out a few lights myself with no issue.
Once I got in the Cruiser however, it crashed in about 20 seconds, possibly from being shot in a certain area, but my camera view didn't show much before the screen went black. I only accused your model of such heresy because it always seems to be involved somewhat when it crashes, so I don't know yet if it happens only when I drive it, or just in general
I really hope it's actually something that can be fixed and not some weird SparkIV/OpenIV file hiccup. I'll keep playing around with different scenarios so I don't lead you on some wild goose chase.
edit: after playing around some more, it's back to crashing when shot at. The lights can be destroyed by crashing with no problem, but once I aim and press the mouse to shoot, it crashes. (aimed at the rear tail light)