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Calif. Officer Killed in Motorcycle Collision

LOS OLIVOS, CA – An on-duty California Highway Patrol officer was killed Thursday afternoon in Los Olivos after his motorcycle collided with a sports car near State Route 154 and then dragged some 45 feet under the vehicle, the CHP said on Friday.

Jarrod John Martinez, 30, of Buellton was riding home from traffic court on his personal motorcycle when the fatal collision occurred. Martinez was riding west on Steele Street and was approaching the intersection of Foxen Canyon Road about 12:15 p.m., the CHP said.

The collision occurred moments after Curtis Smith, 68, of Solvang had turned south onto Foxen Canyon Road, the CHP said. Smith then turned left onto Steele Street. A row of trees along the north side of Steele Street restricted the view of oncoming eastbound traffic along the street, the CHP said.

Rather than remain within the southbound lane of Foxen Canyon Road, the CHP said Smith “cut across the width of Foxen Canyon Road,” putting his vehicle on the wrong side of the road just as Martinez was approaching the intersection on his motorcycle.

Martinez saw the approaching sports car and hit the brakes of his motorcycle, causing him to fly onto the road, the CHP said. Martinez got caught in the right front corner of Smith’s sports car and was dragged some 45 feet before the vehicle came to a stop, the CHP said.

Witnesses called 911. An off-duty deputy coroner was one of the first to arrive at the scene and gave first aid to Martinez. Martinez, however, died moments later, the CHP said.

Alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor in the collision, and no arrest had been made as of Friday afternoon, the CHP said.

Martinez, who graduated from the CHP academy a year ago today, is survived by his wife, Patricia, and 4-year-old daughter, Julia, the CHP said.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement Friday afternoon, saying he was deeply saddened to learn of Martinez’s death.

“On behalf of all Californians, we send our thoughts and prayers to Jarrod’s family, friends and fellow officers,” Schwarzenegger said.

Flags were flown at half-staff around the capitol in honor of Martinez.

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