CHP OFFICER STRUCK BY DUI DRIVER ON I-8 SUSTAINS MAJOR INJURY

East County News Service 

June 28, 2019 (El Cajon) – A CHP officer who had stopped to aid a disabled motorist in the center divide of Interstate 8 last night at 9:24 p.m. in El Cajon was struck by a Chevrolet Camero driven at a high rate of speed by Richard Chambers, 25.  The accident occurred on I-8 west, just east of West Main Street.

A marked CHP patrol vehicle and a CHP motorcycle were both parked near the disabled vehicle The patrol vehicle had its emergency lights on and directional arrows notifying motorists to move to the right. 

As the motorcycle officer, a 16-year CHP veteran, was clearing the disabled motorist and trying to reenter the traffic lane, the Camaro did not move over as the arrows indicated, according to the CHP, and struck the motorcycle. The seriously injured officer was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital via ambulance and is expected to make a full recovery.

Chambers had a front passenger:  a 41-year-old San Diego woman.  Both wore seatbelts.

“During the investigation of the collision, Mr. Chambers exhibited signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug intoxication,” says Officer Travis Garrow. Chambers was evaluated and placed under arrest for DUI causing injury.