Los Angeles Police Valley Traffic Division Motorcycle Officer Gravely Injured During On Duty Traffic Collision NR14139rh

UPDATE

The Los Angeles Police Department regrets to announce that
Valley Traffic Division Police Officer II+2 Christopher Cortijo passed away this afternoon at Holy Cross Hospital.

Los Angeles:  On April 5, 2014, around 5:30 p.m., a Valley Traffic Division motorcycle police officer was involved in a traffic collision at the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street.  The officer was southbound on Lankershim Boulevard, stopped at a red light behind a Honda Accord when a Chevy Blazer, driving southbound, failed to stop for the light and collided with the rear of the officer’s motorcycle, crushing him and the motorcycle between the vehicles.

The officer, a 26-year Department veteran, was gravely injured during the collision and transported to a local hospital.  He is in stable, but critical condition.

The vehicle that collided with the officer was driven by 33-year-old Qaneak Cobb, a resident of Pacoima. She was arrested at the scene for Felony DUI drugs. She was booked at Van Nuys Jail, and is being held on $185,000.00 bail.

The officer has undergone several surgeries, and will be undergoing more. He has been a motor officer for 20 years and numerous family members are at his bedside, as are fellow officers. We are all devastated by this accident and are praying for his recovery.