SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI) — A police officer and another motorist are dead after they were struck by a vehicle following a multi-car crash on a San Diego highway late Monday night.
Authorities said the first crash happened shortly before 10:30 p.m. when a vehicle hit another one and overturned in the eastbound lanes of I-8. A third vehicle then struck the overturned vehicle.
La Mesa police said Officer Lauren Craven was driving back from the San Diego Central Jail when she saw the crash and stopped to help. Craven eventually exited her vehicle.
California Highway Patrol Captain Reggie Williams said that a fourth vehicle then struck Craven and the driver of the overturned vehicle, killing both.
According to authorities, the driver of the car that had overturned was identified as a 19-year-old man. His name has not yet been released.
“This is a very tragic situation and it’s very difficult for all involved,” Williams said. “My heartfelt condolences are with the La Mesa Police Department, our fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement, as well as with the family and loved ones of the other individual who tragically lost their life in this incident.”
La Mesa police said Craven, 25, had joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024.
Meanwhile, four other victims involved in the crash have received medical treatment, and three have been released. One remained in the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities are investigating whether drugs and/or alcohol were factors in the crash.
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