Police officers, like all of us, like to relax and cut loose after a hard day on the job. For many, cutting loose includes the consumption of alcohol. When it comes to such things, police officers are often held to a higher standard than the rest of the population and being caught driving under the influence, even if off-duty, often means making the news. The LA Times reports on a officer who is implicated in a possible DUI accident.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, September 27th at about 10:30 p.m. in the southbound lane of the 605 Freeway.
The officer in question, Edgar Verduzco, 26, was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro in the carpool lane when for unknown reasons, he steered into the right fast lane. He then collided with a Nissan which was carrying a family of three.
Traveling at 65 mph at the time of the crash, the Nissan burst into flames, which trapped the family inside the vehicle. All three were pronounced dead at the scene. The bodies were so badly burned that identification may take a week or more to authenticate.
After striking the Nissan, Verduzco’s vehicle continued until it stuck yet another vehicle, this time a Toyota Scion before it came to a stop. The driver of the Scion suffered from minor injuries.
Although there were no open containers in the vehicle, Verduzco showed signs of being intoxicated and was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He also suffered a broken nose in the collision. He is currently being held on $100,000 bail.
The Los Angeles Police Department is cooperating fully with the CHP investigation into the crash. Officer Verduzco will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
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