CHP officer killed in Lake Elsinore crash; driver arrested on suspicion of murder
The Saturday afternoon collision injured at least two other people and closed the southbound lanes at Lake Street until about 3 a.m. Sunday.
A California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer was killed Saturday in a crash on the 15 Freeway in Lake Elsinore and the driver was arrested on suspicion of murder and other charges.
The crash closed the southbound lanes at Lake Street until about 3 a.m. Sunday and injured at least two other people.
The officer was identified by the CHP as Sgt. Steve Licon.
A CHP official said: “Preliminary information suggests (Licon) was conducting an enforcement stop on the shoulder of southbound Interstate 15 south of Lake Street, in the city of Lake Elsinore, when an errant driver drifted onto the shoulder striking the sergeant and the vehicle he had stopped. Sergeant Licon was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.”
The CHP identified the driver early Sunday as Michael Callahan, 36, of Winchester. The news release said Callahan was arrested on several charges, including driving under the influence; the Riverside County jail log said Callahan was arrested on suspicion of murder. Ultimately, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office will decide what, if anything, Callahan is charged with.
Callahan does not have a documented criminal record in Riverside County, according to Superior Court records.
The office of Gov. Gavin Newsom said that during his 28-year career, Licon served with the CHP in the Baldwin Park and Santa Ana areas besides the Riverside area.
“Today we mourn the loss of a husband and father of two who lost his life while protecting the state of California. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends and his many California Highway Patrol colleagues for their devastating loss,” Newsom and Acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis said in a statement, adding Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of Licon.
CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said on Twitter: “Incredibly sad day for the family of Sgt Steve Licon, the CHP, & State of Calif. Sgt Licon was a great leader, valued member of the CHP family, & a dedicated public servant who sacrificed his life serving the people of Calif. Condolences to wife Ann, & daughters Marissa & Kelly.”
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies and medical personnel assembled outside Inland Valley Regional Medical Center in Wildomar to honor Licon as his body was taken from the hospital to the Riverside County Coroner’s office in Perris. Residents and officials lined roads for the procession.
Licon’s hearse was among the first in the long procession of hundreds of police cars, police motorcycles, fire engines and fire chief SUVs that arrived at the coroner’s office at 9:48 p.m. with emergency lights flashing and sirens quiet.
Onlookers stood quietly and respectfully, some with hands over their hearts.
Sgt. Licon’s hearse was among the first in the procession of hundreds of police cars, police motorcycles and fire engines that arrived at the coroner’s office at 9:48 p.m. with emergency lights flashing and sirens quiet. Onlookers stood respectfully, some with hands over hearts. pic.twitter.com/tc0I3EITP2
— Brian Rokos (@Brian_Rokos) April 7, 2019
Pablo Ayala, 56, of Perris, came to the coroner’s office to watch the procession and pay his respects to Licon.
His reaction to his death was “Shock. Real shock. Upset.”
Jamelia Adams, 40, and son Jordan Griffin, 7, of Perris, also turned out at the coroner’s office.
“I think it’s important to support one of our own coming from Riverside County,” she said.
Added Jordan: “Everybody sticks together.”
Bobby Steele, 48 and a resident of Lake Elsinore, works for Brothers Towing. He and a number of other tow crews parked outside the coroner’s office to pay their respects.
“We work hand in hand with these guys (CHP officers), day in and day out, and it hits the heart when it happens,” Steele said.
#LASD Our hearts are with @CHPHQ tonight. Sergeant Steve Licon was struck and killed in a traffic accident. We send our deepest condolences to Steve’s family and friends. R.I.P Sir. pic.twitter.com/cd92H2V3NO
— LA County Sheriff's (@LASDHQ) April 7, 2019
UPDATE 2: SB I-15 is fully closed from Indian Truck Trail to Nichols Rd. due to a police investigation. Avoid the area if possible. Traffic is being diverted off Indian Truck trail. Unknown duration. Police Investigation. https://t.co/QaVymKXu3F
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) April 7, 2019
RIGHT NOW: Officers have gathered outside hospital to honor CHP officer killed in accident on 15 fwy. @NBCLA pic.twitter.com/NtUkhnWqsi
— Stephanie Miranda (@StephNBC4) April 7, 2019
The crash happened just before 4:30 p.m., when a black sedan crashed into the CHP motorcycle officer who was on the right shoulder of the 15 Freeway with another vehicle, according to CHP logs. Broadcast helicopter footage showed the motorcycle entangled between two cars.
#BREAKING: Newschopper4 Bravo now on scene of a crash in Lake Elsinore area. CHP officer injured. Aerials appear to show CHP motorcycle smashed between two cars. Southbound lanes shutdown. @NBCLA pic.twitter.com/s7csodJ0tv
— Stephanie Miranda (@StephNBC4) April 7, 2019
A SigAlert was issued and the CHP log indicated the officer injured in the crash was transported to the Wildomar hospital.
DA’s Office is assisting in the investigation, DA’s spokesman John Hall said.
Tawny Cabral, spokeswoman for the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, said three total people were transported via ambulance to the Wildomar hospital. The Fire Department didn’t immediately have information on the conditions of those who survived.
The crash happened in an area that has seen heavy traffic in recent weeks because of the spectacular poppy blooms in the nearby hills. It wasn’t immediately known if the flower-viewing traffic contributed to the collision.
Staff writer Jonah Valdez contributed to this story.