Off-Duty Officer Involved in DUl Traffic Collision that resulted in the deaths of three people NR18119rh

Los Angeles: On September 26, 2017, off-duty Los Angeles Police Officer Edgar Verduzco, was involved in a DUI-related traffic collision on the 605 Freeway in the City of Whittier.

The traffic collision resulted in the deaths of the three occupants of the primary vehicle that Verduzco collided with; a mother, father, and their adult son. A second vehicle struck by Verduzco was operated by woman and her infant child. The woman and child had to be transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The California Highway Patrol placed Verduzco under arrest for a DUI traffic collision which resulted in bodily injury. The Los Angeles Police Department immediately placed Verduzco on administrative leave pending the outcome of the California Highway Patrol investigation. Verduzco was released two days later from the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail, pending the CHP investigation.

On April 18, 2018, the California Highway Patrol filed with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, three counts of murder, as well as other charges related to the DUI traffic collision and injury to the mother and child. On April 20, 2018, Verduzco was placed under arrest in the City of Long Beach by officers from the California Highway Patrol.

The case against Verduzco is being handled by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Justice System Integrity Division, which specializes in cases involving law enforcement officers and other public officials.

The Los Angeles Police Department has placed Verduzco on relieved of duty status.