The Antelope Valley Times

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Driver dies after crashing into CHP vehicle involved in traffic stop

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The fatal collision occurred around 6:55 a.m. Thursday on 50th Street east, just south of Avenue P in Palmdale, authorities said. (Photo by LUIS MEZA)
The fatal collision occurred around 6:55 a.m. Thursday on 50th Street east, just south of Avenue P in Palmdale, authorities said. (Photo by LUIS MEZA)

PALMDALE – A 33-year-old Palmdale man died Thursday after crashing his car into a parked California Highway Patrol vehicle that was involved in a traffic stop, authorities said.

The collision occurred around 6:55 a.m. on 50th Street east, just south of Avenue P in Palmdale, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Gil Hernandez.

A Toyota Camry was stopped for a vehicle code violation when another car crashed into the CHP vehicle. (LUIS MEZA)
A Toyota Camry was stopped for a vehicle code violation when another car crashed into the CHP vehicle. (LUIS MEZA)

A CHP officer had stopped a 2005 Toyota Camry for a vehicle code violation and was preparing to write a citation when the officer heard tires screeching from behind, Hernandez said.

“The CHP officer saw a 2000 Ford Taurus… traveling out of the control coming towards the rear end of the black and white patrol vehicle,” Hernandez said. “The Ford Taurus struck the rear end of the patrol vehicle, pushing the patrol vehicle forward; the patrol vehicle struck the CHP officer, launching him into the dirt wash.”

The patrol car hit the CHP officer and threw him into a wash, officials said.
The patrol car hit the CHP officer and threw him into a wash, officials said.

The patrol vehicle then struck the Toyota Camry that was stopped for the vehicle code violation, Hernandez said.

The Toyota Camry’s driver, 52-year-old Lancaster resident Alexander M. Arcega, sustained minor injuries and complained of back pain, Hernandez said.

The CHP officer was transported to Palmdale Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released, Hernandez said.

The CHP officer was transported to the hospital, treated and then released, officials said. (LUIS MEZA)
The CHP officer was transported to the hospital, treated and then released, officials said. (LUIS MEZA)

“[The driver of the Ford Taurus] was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital with major injuries and he succumbed to his injuries a few hours later,” Hernandez said. “At this time, this traffic collision is under investigation.”

Investigators are still trying to determine how fast the Ford Taurus was traveling and why its driver lost control, Hernandez added.

The driver’s name has not yet been released pending next of kin notification. He is a 33-year-old Palmdale resident, Hernandez said.

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UPDATED 9/28/14: The deceased has been identified as 33-year-old Robert Steven Nemila, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

63 comments for "Driver dies after crashing into CHP vehicle involved in traffic stop"

  1. For Douglas, your comments are typical of Police haters. For your information, the definition in the California Vehicle Code of a Highway, is any public roadway. Second, could you imagine if the Police told the public that no matter what, they will not enforce ANY TRAFFIC LAWS for the month of October? Every idiot out there would be blowing stop signs, red lights, & speeding at Mach 3! The police dont generate revenue. They are the last and only line of defense between what society we have now and complete ANARCHY!

    For the family & friends of the man killed! Yes, its tragic for you but this is a discussion blog where people post their thoughts and views on a subject. The family is crying foul saying his only crime was over working and driving tired, yet you were not with him either. People are being cruel by speculating as you are about what caused this tragedy. You were probably one of the posters blasting that DUI driver that killed a person in the AV some time ago. Yet, that driver just made a simplle mistake by driving impaired, just like you say about your family member. He was driving impaired, (Fatigued/Sleepy). Your family member made a conscious choice to get behind the wheel of a 4000 pound piece of steel, and drive without due regard for others on the Highway. Now, no one here (At this point/ limited information) knows what caused the crash. He might have had a hidden bottle of Jack, been texting a secret girlfriend, or just changed the radio station at the wrong time and crashed. The only fact is, one is dead, 2 are injured and property damage is in the tens of thousands due to your family members actions.

    Its just human nature for people to speculate on why! Don’t take it so personally. Its not directed at you.

    • Thank you. Most people particularly “Cop Haters” do not realize that in most cities, incorporated or not where the sheriff handles crime, the CHP provides for and augments traffic enforcement responsibilities. If not for the CHP, the AV would be suffering with more traffic fatalities than is already the case. It amazes me we live amidst as many imbecilic personages who view police presence as offensive to their Neanderthal IQ. I suppose if I was an irresponsible driver who was unlicensed and a drunkard, I would feel the same way.

  2. Why are CHP officers on “streets”? It’s not a highway. Also, the two lanes roads are dangerous enough. Do you really have to generate revenue that badly? My condolences go out to the families, but had that patrol car not had someone stopped he may have lived. Just saying.

    • The CHP have jurisdiction in that area, also should they altogether stop giving people tickets? Just in case someone doesn’t pay attention? It’s a sad affair, however I am glad they are in the area, people speed, run stop signs, and pass unsafely ALL the time. If an officer had seen this young man weaving due to being sleepy, would you prefer the officer to just ignore it? It’s not the police officers fault, but so many are quick to want to blame them.

    • CHP does not just patrol “Highways” as you may be inclined to think or are misinformed of! They patrol any unincorporated areas and in some areas actual respond to calls for alarms etc. at home and businesses it all comes down to what is contracted etc with local cities,towns etc. As far as all of you who think they are generating revenue I can tell you this is not what the case is or ever will be the actual issuing agency gets a very very small % of what the ticket is “not the whole fine” so again those of you who think this are very wrong! It is about trying to do the impossible and keep the roadways safe! I was a Police officer for over 25 years and spent the last 11 years up here patrolling these same roads! and to say if the the stop was not made the driver would still be a live is a complete wish! having responded to NUMEROUS single vehicle accidents up here including that same stretch of roadway! and many are fatalities or sever injuries! one could argue that well the car could of possibly ran head on then into another oncoming car if it had not struct the “CHP” vehicle first, or rolled and flipped after going of the embankment! or here is the kicker maybe the driver suffered a mass medical condition? Initiating a traffic stop is the most dangerous thing a officer can do! several things are always considered prior to flipping on the overheads! Mostly and foremost is SAFETY, however you can never fully plan on every scenario that may or may not happen! vehicles are stopped for violations for any numerous reasons and many may not even receive a ticket! They are stop manly to get the drivers attention back on what they should be doing which is driving safely! The biggest point that should come out of all these accidents up here is that People have no regard for safety when they get behind the wheel! They drive unlicensed, distracted, way over the speed limit, under the influence etc. and in many cases it becomes tragic! Very sorry for the loss of life as the actions where far in motion long before the traffic stop was initiated! Good rule to follow is SLOW DOWN! LEAVE A BIT EARLIER FOR WORK APPOINTMENTS ETC.! again my heart goes out to all those injured and to the family deceased!

  5. Something I would find very refreshing is if each person that jumped to a conclusion replied to their own post with an apology.

  6. My condolences to his family. 12 hours is a long shift and then to the long drive home, poor guy that so sucks. God bless his family.

  7. This young man and his brothers were my neighbors as they grew up, I babysat them and I love each and every one of them, his mother is devastated but she knows he’s in the hands of the lord, and no he was not a druggie nor drunk, please people do not judge, have some sympathy for his wife, children, brothers and the rest of his family and friends who are hurting over this traffic event. Thank you and God bless

  8. This seems to be a accident but iam not the investigator on the case or many of the other commentators on this page. If anything right there’s a tore family morning the lost o relative. Good thing more individuals didn’t die. I have noticed many speeders in the mornings going to work. Slow down its not worth it. But we don’t know if speed was a factor yet.

  9. come one, people- somebody HAS to blame Obama on this. they blame everything else on him, so why not this? whatever we do, though, let’s NOT blame the driver for not paying attention to the road which he obviously was not doing (hauling ass + slamming on brakes = driver out of control).

    • Looks like you’ve never had to work your tail off to support yourself and your family. Lucky you.
      Perhaps you could show some compassion for the folks who who work long hours and to the family at home waiting for their return…
      My prayers go out for all involved in this accident.

  10. I’m so very sorry for the loss of life, I can’t believe how people judge and write such
    Harsh things, it was a ACCIDENT. and no matter how it happened a man died. A woman Lost her husband, a child lost their parent, a mother lost her son.
    Think about that before you jump to conclusions and be
    Respectful to a horrible loss.

    • The driver fell asleep you stupid idiots. he is friend of my daughter. He started new job working nights and not used to it. Leaves a wife and little children. Just terrible

      • That may not be an accurate statement. I am thinking there is a lot more to this than we know yet. I guarantee that there will be no evidence of inebriation or texting or maybe even sleeping. Let’s not jump to any conclusions until the coroner’s report is complete. Don’t rush to judgement until all variables are known and proven. Remember, he left a wife, children, a mom and brothers, in-laws and friends. Everyone who knew him, loved him.

  11. The article says, this is under investigation. For all of you to be jumping to conclusions, is awful, because you don’t know, unless you were riding in the car. Have some respect, he has a family that’s greiving. If you’re not offering respect or condolences, keep your negativity to yourself and give the family this time to greive.

  13. Was there more than being tired. A medical emergency? My heart and prayers go to his family. I can not imagine the pain you are feeling. Rest in peace. I also hope for peace for the family.

  14. It makes me sick how people just make assumptions! What if this was your family and people were just online talking sh! t!??! You don’t him or his situation. Its rude and very inconsiderate. .now go pull your head out of your ass! Your mom never told you if you have nothing nice to say. Not to say anything?! Prayers for the family!

  15. If your tired don’t drive their are choices that one can make no different than texting or driving drunk. Odd how he woke up and hit the breaks before hitting the car he must been moving along pretty good. Thank god their was one else killed

    • Odd how people want to comment like they know better like they’ve never committed a mistake in their life. Should he have stopped and slept and had a break? Yes. But after working so many hours a after a long day all you’re thinking is i can’t wait to get home. Yes, unfortunately he didn’t make it but we have all made mistakes and made decisions we wish we hadn’t and know his family will be missing him. Everyone says, “glad he didn’t kill anyone else”, that’s right. Thankfully. But what about the life that is lost, his. Have some respect.

      • Po,
        Yes people make mistakes along with bad decisions and I’m willing to bet that this wasn’t the first time he fell asleep. The mentality that it won’t happen to be is short lived just glad I wasn’t in his way.

        Respect? No if you or they don’t like it don’t read it again a decision we all have.

    • Have u ever thought he felt his self sleep he woke up but by the time he woke up it was too late late gods plan was already in action have a heart and ddig deep in your soul to think about his family they need not to hear the negative criticism that you have to offer for his kids sake and for his family if you have nothing nice to say don’t say nothing at all this was a kind loving strong man providing for his family and if u can’t respect the fact that he was tired he was just trying to make it home to his family for gods sake have some type of heart

      • How do you know he fell asleep? Do you have some insight to his last minutes of life that no one else does? The man died, 2 other people were injured. Let the man rest in peace and his family grieve in peace.

        • I’m irritated because we satvhere and ran down the story if anybody know it would be us the last people that seen him alive so why don’t all you rude mf’s take a seat and shut your mouth put yourself in his shoes and maybe you will have a heart so quick to judge whobarebu to judge anybody I’m sure u have made mistakes in your life and in this case this was a man trying to get home to his responsibilities which is his wife and kids to all of you who have something rude to say go to hell how about that

    • There could be other reasons he crashed beyond his control. Heart attack, you never know. Regardless the reason, he’s not here anymore for his family. God Bless them all.

  16. My condolences to the family I was his coworker as well and I send my deepest prayers your way. May a higher being be with u in this time along with his children. What a good guy that was just trying to take care of his family

    • I think we should all take this as a lesson I drive everyday work seven days a week tired as hell I drive home sleepy this could have been any of us so let’s stop with the negative criticism and pray for this family because hey need it right now we are not here to judge at all and I feel if u are here to judge then maybe keep your lame asses off of here because its really starting to frustrate me you didn’t know this man nor did u know his family who arebu to judge anyone wait for your day to come and hope people have some good words to say about you because I doubt it RIP YOUR ONE OF GODS ANGELS NOW we are sad and no u didn’t deserve this but god called you home he called you home for a reason we may never understand but you are OK your time on earth was done you had a family you had kids who I give my deepest sympathy too but they will be OK because god said they would be

  17. After getting intoa very bag accident myself where someone died, after someone turned left in front of me it was 100% NOT MY FAULT. Yet people on here ripped me apart blaming me because my car bounced off the car that turned in front of me hit another car where a 92 yr old passenger lost her life. I was 27 and my 1 yr old was in the car HOW DARE YOU PPL HOW DARE YOU

  19. Please people take a small nap if you are that tired. It is a lot better than what happen to these people. He kill himself but he could of kill others as well. If it is found to be another cause like texting he paid the price for it.

  20. My condolsecences goes out to his family I will not disclose his name for privacy of the family we just want to say you were a hard worker just trying to take care of your family who would have ever known after a long night of working that something like this would occur we just relieved you this morning gave you your first check and let u go home slightly early. May you rest in peace.

      • I’m so sorry and I will continue to pray for the strength of your family please remember that he’s not hurting he’s OK it may hurt and it’s going to take time but know we as his fellow co workers we are here for you guys and whatever you guys need please contact us we will help in any way possible stay strong for him and the his kids because they are going to be the ones that need the affection the most my deepest sorrows Chameka

    • My heart goes out the family I knew this family.there daughter played on the same softball team as my daughter last season. Prayers to them.the whole team is praying for you guys.

  21. Driver going on north-south street would not have the sun in his eyes. Something else was messed up about his driving.

    I’ve seen people drive in broad daylight straight ahead into things, they just aren’t paying attention a lot of the time. One drove into a parked freight train! It was around a turn and then he had about 200 feet of driving at 35mph to figure out that the landscape was a little different that morning! He skidded about the last 20 feet, what an idiot…

    Self driving cars are the only answer to this. They won’t follow so close, that will alleviate all the residual pinhead slowdowns and probably take a few minutes off the commute time out of the AV. Stories like this one will be a thing of the past…

  23. i agree, stop rushing to judgements. You people are so sure the driver was texting. And if the driver suffered some kind of medical tragedy, you’ll all look stupid. And why does anyone need the names of the deceased before the family is notified? I swear, people can be so awful.

  24. Let’s not start judging before we know the facts. Lets not forget about that man who crashed right outside the courthouse. They said he either had a heart attack or stroke wall behind the wheel

    • Agreed. He could have fallen asleep after working all night or had a medical emergency. Please just pray for his family.

        • Correct. This is someone who works a lot of long hours to support his family. He’s not a druggie, wasn’t drunk, wasn’t flying and he wasn’t texting. He was simply going home after working all night. I’m asking for those who pray to please say a prayer for his family today. Thank you.

          • My condolences is with you guys we are his boss from work and we feel so terrible if you guys need anything please let us know let Joe know we are here for him as well if he needs to talk anything