Drunk Driving Accident Fatally Injures Tracy CHP Officer
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy personal injury lawyer. Two California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers were inside a parked patrol vehicle along the shoulder of the highway in Hayward on the night of Sunday, December 24, 2017. The parked patrol vehicle was rear-ended by another motorist, who was believed to be driving under the influence and speeding. The impact caused one of the officers to, unfortunately, succumb to their injuries during hospitalization on Christmas Day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Officer Camilleri who passed away in this senseless, heart-wrenching tragedy.
Accident Details
CHP officers Jonathan Velasquez and Andrew Camilleri were inside their parked patrol Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) along the shoulder of Interstate 880 South in the vicinity of the Winton Avenue on-ramp and State Route 92 at approximately 11:30 pm. The two officers were monitoring drivers for speeding and other moving violations as part of the department’s Maximum Enforcement Patrol. This patrol was created by the department to ensure the safety of all travelers on the road during the holiday season. At the same time, a 22-year-old Hayward man was driving a red Cadillac sedan southbound along Interstate 880. The driver of the Cadillac was allegedly operating their vehicle at a high rate of speed and drifted off the roadway moments before colliding with the rear-end of the patrol vehicle. The impact of the collision caused both vehicles to sustain severe body damage.
Nature of Injuries
Emergency personnel were called to the scene of the auto accident. Upon arrival, they located the two injured officers inside the patrol SUV. A medical evaluation was conducted on both parties. Officer Velasquez appeared to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries and Officer Camilleri suffered life-threatening injuries. Both parties were transported to a hospital for injury treatment. Sadly, Officer Camilleri passed away during hospitalization due to the severity of his injuries.
Watch YouTube Video – By: CBS SF Bay Area – Christmas Tragedy: Suspected DUI Crash Kills CHP Officer, Father of Three
The following video discusses the details of the tragic auto accident.
What Caused the Accident?
The exact cause of the auto accident has not yet been issued by CHP investigators. A Traffic Collision Report is usually processed within two weeks of the accident. However, the suspect driver of the Cadillac was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs moments before the collision. Witnesses also reported that the suspect driver was allegedly speeding at a rate of 100 miles per hour or more leading up to the tragic auto accident. According to CHP Assistant Chief, Ernest Sanchez, the suspect “chose to be irresponsible” and may face various felony charges following his release from the hospital.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents involving drunk drivers are on the rise throughout the state of California. These accidents account for nearly one third of all traffic fatalities in the United States alone. Studies have found that many impaired motorists tend to be repeat offenders. A 2015 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 10,265 parties lost their lives in drunk driving accidents. Such accidents may cause victims to suffer traumatic, catastrophic or even fatal injuries. The list of injuries sustained from these senseless accidents are as follows:
Any party who has caused an auto accident while driving under the influence of alcohol is considered negligent and may be held responsible for all incurred damages. If you or a family member has been seriously injured as a result of an auto accident caused by a drunk driver, you do not have to endure this tragedy alone. Hiring an experienced Tracy personal injury lawyer is crucial in securing your rights in a personal injury claim and obtaining fair compensation for your damages.
Loved One Forever Remembered
Officer Andrew Camilleri was a 33-year-old resident of Tracy and a beloved member of the CHP division in the Bay Area. Although he had been an officer for a year and four months with the CHP, he touched many who he surrounded during his service. Officer Camilleri leaves behind a wife and three young children, who will forever miss him for his kind, caring soul. A fundraiser will be created by the California Association of Highway Patrolmen Credit Union to offer a benevolence fund for the immediate family of Camilleri.
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Tracy Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Tracy personal injury lawyer. Auto accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers tend to result in tragic consequences. If an accident has caused you or a loved one to suffer life-altering injuries, please call me at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. You may contact me through my toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.
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