San Diego County Deputy Dies in Fatal San Diego Car Crash
A San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputy lost his life after he crashed his cruiser into a bridge embankment while pursuing an alleged drunk driver going the wrong way on a freeway. The car accident occurred in the early hours of February 28, 2010. The deceased, Deputy Ken Collier, 39, died at a hospital shortly after the accident near Santee. The suspect Jose Jasso Lopez, 22, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.
Collier was driving westbound on State Route 52 (SR-52) when he spotted a car heading toward him on the same side of the highway. He made a quick u-turn to pursue the car, turning into an auxiliary lane in the highway median, but then struck a bridge abutment between Mast Boulevard and Santo Road near Mission Trails Regional Park in northeastern San Diego County.
Our office wishes to express our sincere prayers for the family and loved ones of Deputy Ken Collier. It is sad that we lost such a competent officer who was looking out for the safety of others. There are few things more dangerous on San Diego’s highways and streets than a drunk driver—unless, of course, if it is a drunk driver heading the wrong way on a freeway. The damage that Mr. Lopez could have caused had he crashed into another vehicle or vehicles is unimaginable. Not only could he have killed himself, but he would likely have killed anyone he ran into. Deputy Collier understood this and decided to chase Mr. Lopez to prevent this tragedy. Unfortunately, he lost his life doing so. We hope that the San Diego District Attorneys’ Office prosecutes Mr. Lopez to the fullest extent of the law.
Ross Jurewitz is a San Diego auto wreck lawyer and the managing attorney of the Jurewitz Law Group, a California law firm dedicated to representing people seriously injured and the families of people killed by the negligence of others. If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a San Diego drunk driving car crash, please order your free copy of Mr. Jurewitz's book, The Ten Biggest Mistakes that can Destroy Your California Accident Case. It is full of helpful information that will help you protect your legal rights and it is free to all California residents.
