Los Angeles Police Valley Traffic Division Motorcycle Officer Gravely Injured During On Duty Traffic Collision

UPDATE The Los Angeles Police Department regrets to announce that Valley Traffic Division Police Officer II+2 Christopher Cortijo passed away this afternoon at Holy Cross Hospital.   Chief Beck podcast regarding Officer Cortijo   Los Angeles:  On April 5, 2014, around 5:30 p.m., a Valley Traffic Division motorcycle police officer was involved in a traffic collision at the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street.  The officer was southbound on Lankershim Boulevard, stopped at a red light behind a Honda Accord when a Chevy Blazer, driving southbound, failed to stop for the light and collided with the rear of the officer’s motorcycle, crushing him and the motorcycle between the vehicles. The officer, a 26-year Department veteran, was gravely injured during the collision and transported to a local hospital.  He is in stable, but critical condition. The vehicle that collided with the officer was driven by 33-year-old Qaneak Cobb, a resident of Pacoima. She was arrested at the scene for Felony DUI drugs. She was booked at Van Nuys Jail, and is being held on $185,000.00 bail. The officer has undergone several surgeries, and will being undergoing more. He has been a motor officer for 20 years and numerous family members are at his bedside, as are fellow officers. We are all devastated by this accident and are praying for his recovery.

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Comments

[Chic]

RIP. Prayers and warm thought to all involved

[Josh Roten]

Do a little simple 'what if' math: what if only 1% of the 3,000 DUI arrests this officer made during his 27 years on the LAPD prevented a fatal accident involving only one fatality? That would have been 30 DUI-related traffic fatalities prevented by ONE police officer. That averages more than one life saved for every year of his service. Not too many cops or firefighters anywhere can claim after 27 years on the job they have saved 30, maybe more people. He was, and will always be, a Hero for the work he did. I have heard too many vile comments from people following this officer's accident and death, to not offer my comments. Condolences to all at LAPD from a retired Fire Captain.

[james t. brousseau/LAPD Ret.#25212]

My name is Jimmy Brousseau and I went to motor school with Chris in Mar 92' and we worked together. ... he's my buddy. I am a retired/disabled motor and would like to go to funeral on Tuesday but haven't anyway of getting there. My name and number is in the ret. Book. If you're going from the Palmdale/Lancaster area and you don't mind taking this old broken dog with you. . Then please let me know.