California Highway Patrol Officer Dies After Medical Emergency During DUI Transport
A tragic incident early Wednesday morning resulted in the death of a California Highway Patrol officer, prompting an investigation into a suspected medical emergency as the primary cause. The officer, identified as Miguel Cano, lost consciousness while transporting a suspect and subsequently crashed the patrol vehicle.
A 34-year-old officer assigned to the CHP’s West Los Angeles division, Cano was driving near Bristol Parkway and Green Valley Circle around 12:30 a.m. when the vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree. He was transporting a suspect arrested for driving under the influence, along with a fellow officer, at the time of the incident.
Officer Reported Feeling Unwell Before Crash
According to a senior official, Cano alerted his partner that he was not feeling well shortly before the crash occurred. “He told his partner he wasn’t feeling right, and his partner acknowledged he didn’t look well,” the official stated. Moments later, Cano lost consciousness, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and impact a tree.
Medical Emergency Suspected; Drug Exposure Ruled Out
Emergency responders immediately administered Narcan at the scene as a precautionary measure, concerned about potential exposure to illicit drugs. However, investigators quickly ruled out fentanyl or other substances as contributing factors to the officer’s medical event. Investigators now believe the impact of the collision was not severe enough to have caused fatal injuries, strongly suggesting a pre-existing medical condition was the primary cause of death.
No Serious Injuries to Others Involved
Fortunately, neither Cano’s partner nor the individual in custody sustained serious injuries in the crash. The suspect, who was being transported on a DUI charge, was evaluated at the scene and released to authorities.
Community Mourns Fallen Officer
Culver City police and fire crews provided assistance at the crash site. The Culver City Police Department issued a public statement expressing its deepest condolences to Cano’s family and colleagues within the CHP, praising his dedication and service to the community. The loss is being deeply felt throughout the law enforcement community in Southern California.
