NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A Sacramento-area California Highway Patrol officer died Wednesday evening from injuries he sustained in a crash during a vehicle pursuit.
Officer Lucas F. Chellew, 31, died shortly after the crash occurred, according to a report from the CHP’s Sacramento headquarters.
At 5:45 p.m., Officer Chellew was in pursuit of a motorcycle eastbound on Fruitridge Road east of State Route 99. During the pursuit, a collision occurred, causing Chellew to lose control of his motorcycle.
The CHP said Chellew suffered major injuries, and first responders on scene worked tirelessly to keep him alive as he was transported to University of California, Davis, Medical Center.
Despite the valiant efforts of the paramedics and medical professionals, Officer Chellew succumbed to his injuries at approximately 6:11 p.m., the CHP said.
“My heart aches on this terribly tragic day for the CHP as we have lost a hero, who swore a sacred and honorable oath to serve and protect the people of California,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Officer Chellew now joins a distinguished and cherished group of men and women whose names adorn a memorial fountain at the center of the CHP Academy. His service and sacrifice will forever be honored and never forgotten. Please keep Officer Chellew's family, friends and the entire CHP family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn his loss.”
Late Wednesday night, Gov. Jerry Brown announced that Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff in Chellew’s honor.
"Anne and I join all Californians in offering our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Chellew, who worked day and night to keep the people of California safe. Officer Chellew's great courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Gov. Brown said.
Officer Chellew served with the California Highway Patrol for eight years. He was assigned to the CHP’s South Sacramento Area Office.
He is survived by his wife, Christina; a daughter and a son; father, Charles Chellew, a retired CHP captain; mother, Marion Chellew; and sister, Hanna Chellew, a CHP officer.
A bell toll tribute ceremony will be held in Officer Chellew’s honor at noon Thursday at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento, where he graduated in May 2009.
The CHP said the collision remains under investigation.
STATE: Sacramento-area CHP officer dies following vehicle pursuit crash
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