Driver of car that struck, killed two including La Mesa police officer arrested
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A man suspected of driving under the influence in a crash that killed a La Mesa police officer and another driver earlier this week was arrested, authorities said in a news release Thursday.
Antonio Alcantar, 38, was identified as the DUI suspect, the California Highway Patrol confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI.
The incident occurred Monday around 10:22 p.m. on Interstate 8, located east of Interstate 15, according to CHP.
Authorities say La Mesa Police Department Officer Lauren Craven responded to a series of traffic crashes involving five vehicles on I-8 eastbound when she exited her vehicle and was struck by a Toyota Camry.
The collision killed Craven as well as the driver of a Mazda 3, identified as 19-year-old DeVeonte Lavell, she was helping, per the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.
Alcantar, who was driving the Toyota Camry, was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. He was later arrested on suspicion of DUI, according to CHP.
On Thursday morning, a procession was held for the fallen officer Lauren Craven, which began at the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office and made its way to El Camino Memorial Park on Carroll Canyon Road in Sorrento Valley.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the CHP San Diego Area directly at 858-293-6000.
