Fiery Crash in Santa Clarita Kills Off-Duty LAPD Officer; DUI Suspect Arrested After Driving Through Scene
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — Authorities say an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer died early Friday morning after a fiery one-car crash in Santa Clarita, with a second person arrested for driving drunk through the crash scene during the investigation.
The crash occurred overnight along McBean Parkway near Magic Mountain Parkway, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Emergency crews arrived to find a vehicle fully engulfed in flames after slamming into a traffic signal pole.
Officer Found Dead at Scene
Officials confirmed that the driver, an off-duty LAPD officer, was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer’s name has not yet been released pending family notification.
Authorities said the vehicle was the only one involved in the collision, which investigators believe may have been caused by high speed before the car left the roadway and caught fire.
DUI Arrest During Investigation
As deputies and firefighters worked to secure the area and begin cleanup, a woman reportedly drove past the roadblocks and through the active crash scene, nearly hitting first responders.
Sheriff’s deputies stopped the driver a short distance away and arrested her on suspicion of driving under the influence. Officials said she had no connection to the deceased officer or the crash itself.
Investigation Ongoing
Traffic in the area was shut down for several hours as investigators with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and the LAPD’s Major Collision Investigation Unit documented the scene.
Authorities are now working to determine what led to the initial crash, including whether impairment or fatigue played a role.
The LAPD released a statement expressing condolences, calling the loss a “tragic reminder of how fragile life can be.”
Stay updated on breaking California crime and public safety news at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
