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| California Highway Patrol officer Kirk Griess, died during a traffic stop after being struck on Interstate 80 in California when a white Chevrolet pickup truck veered towards the side and crashed into Griess and the SUV |
A California Highway Patrol officer died from his injuries following a “significant traffic accident” on a highway in Fairfield Friday morning, according to CHP.
Officer Kirk Griess, died at the North Bay Medical Center after being struck on Interstate 80 at North Texas Street, according to CHP Moorpark.
Aerial footage of the scene showed two wrecked vehicles and a CHP motorcycle in pieces. The condition of the other drivers are unknown.
“He was at the prime of his career making a difference,” said CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Ernie Sanchez.
“Today that’s what he was doing keeping the freeways even safer.”
Griess was on a traffic stop behind a Saturn SUV on the right shoulder of the highway near Manuel Campos Parkway, said CHP Golden Gate.
For unknown reasons, a white Chevrolet pickup truck veered towards the side and crashed into Griess and the SUV.
“The driver of a three by four ton pickup left the main portion of the roadway traveled onto the shoulder and struck Officer Griess,” said Sanchez.
The drivers were transported to a nearby hospital where one of them died.
Griess leaves behind a wife and two daughters, and a young son.
“Officer Griess is going to be dearly missed he was the ultimate public servant He loved what he did.”
“He loved being a CHP Officer,” said Sanchez.
“This is very difficult for me, he’s a friend and a great man.”
If anyone witnessed this traffic collision they are asked to contact the CHP – Golden Gate Division Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) tip-line at 707-917-4357.
The California Association of Highway Patrolman (CAHP) has created a memorial fund in honor of fallen CHP Motor Officer Kirk Griess.
Donations can be made through the CAHP Credit Union website.
The former Marine Corps veteran is survived by his wife, two daughters, 25 and 21, and 14-year-old son.
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FAIRFIELD, CA (CBS SF) —
A California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer and a motorist were killed Friday in a horrific accident during a traffic stop along Interstate 80 in Fairfield, authorities said.
CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Ernie Sanchez told reporters that CHP officer Kirk Griess — a 19-year veteran — and motorist he had pulled over were on the right shoulder of I-80 when another vehicle slammed into them.
CHP Officer Kirk Griess (Fairfield Police Dept.)
“He (officer Griess) was conducting an enforcement stop involving another vehicle, in this case it was a Saturn, (and) for unknown reasons the driver of a three-quarter ton pickup truck left the main portion of the roadway, traveled onto the shoulder and struck officer Griess…as well as the motorist who was still in the Saturn,” Sanchez said.
Wrecked CHP motorcycle following a crash on Interstate 80 in Fairfield, August 10, 2018. (CBS)
Both of the injured were transported to a local hospital in Fairfield “where unfortunately, both passed away.”
The driver of the truck was also injured. Sanchez said he was being interviewed at the hospital and cooperating with investigators.
“It’s a tough day for the California Highway Patrol,” he said. “It’s a tough day for the state of California.”
The 46-year-old Griess, who’s a military veteran, is survived by his wife, Keri; adult daughters, Kadi and Kaci; and son, Kole, 14.
The driver of the SUV who was killed was identified as 49-year-old Jaime Bueza Manuel of Vallejo.
