CHP Officer Justin McGrory (California Highway Patrol) |
BARSTOW -- A California Highway Patrol officer was killed Sunday morning after being hit by a car during a traffic stop on the 15 Freeway.
The accident happened on the northbound 15 Freeway at Wildwash in Barstow early Sunday.
CHP officer Justin McGrory, 28, pulled a vehicle over for speeding at 3:38 a.m. McGrory was conducting a field sobriety test when he was hit by a red 2009 Pontiac G6 that veered onto the right shoulder.
He was airlifted to Saint Mary's Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
His partner, Officer Ryan Bostrom, was not hurt in the incident.
The driver, identified as 18-year-old Rafael Garcia, of Las Vegas, stopped a short distance away from the crash.
He was arrested for vehicular manslaughter.
The northbound lanes of the 15 were closed at Wildwash while authorities investigated the accident.
McGrory was from Victorville, and had been a CHP officer since 2007. He leaves behind a wife and three young children, ages 7, 4 and 1.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement Sunday: "Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of CHP Officer Justin McGrory. He was selfless and dedicated, and committed his life to protecting the safety of all Californians. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Justin's family, loved ones, and the entire Victorville community as they mourn the loss of a father, son and outstanding officer."
Flags at the Capitol will be flown at half-staff in McGrory's honor, according to Schwarzenegger.
McGrory is the third CHP officer killed in the line of duty this month.
CHP motorcycle officer Tom Coleman was killed June 10 in a pursuit-related crash in Redlands.
Fellow CHP motor officer, Philip Ortiz, died two weeks after being struck by a sport utility vehicle June 9 during a traffic stop on the 405 Freeway.
The accident happened on the northbound 15 Freeway at Wildwash in Barstow early Sunday.
CHP officer Justin McGrory, 28, pulled a vehicle over for speeding at 3:38 a.m. McGrory was conducting a field sobriety test when he was hit by a red 2009 Pontiac G6 that veered onto the right shoulder.
He was airlifted to Saint Mary's Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
His partner, Officer Ryan Bostrom, was not hurt in the incident.
The driver, identified as 18-year-old Rafael Garcia, of Las Vegas, stopped a short distance away from the crash.
He was arrested for vehicular manslaughter.
The northbound lanes of the 15 were closed at Wildwash while authorities investigated the accident.
McGrory was from Victorville, and had been a CHP officer since 2007. He leaves behind a wife and three young children, ages 7, 4 and 1.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement Sunday: "Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of CHP Officer Justin McGrory. He was selfless and dedicated, and committed his life to protecting the safety of all Californians. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Justin's family, loved ones, and the entire Victorville community as they mourn the loss of a father, son and outstanding officer."
Flags at the Capitol will be flown at half-staff in McGrory's honor, according to Schwarzenegger.
McGrory is the third CHP officer killed in the line of duty this month.
CHP motorcycle officer Tom Coleman was killed June 10 in a pursuit-related crash in Redlands.
Fellow CHP motor officer, Philip Ortiz, died two weeks after being struck by a sport utility vehicle June 9 during a traffic stop on the 405 Freeway.
