La Mesa Officer Killed, Second Driver Dies in I-8 Collision; DUI Suspected
– A La Mesa police officer was killed and another driver died late Monday night on Interstate 8 in Grantville after being struck by a vehicle allegedly driven under the influence. The driver of that vehicle has been arrested, authorities said.
Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was outside of her vehicle providing assistance at the scene of an earlier collision near Fairmount Avenue when she was hit by a Toyota Camry driven by a 38-year-old man from La Mesa, identified as Antonio Alcantar. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Alcantar was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The initial crash involved two vehicles, one of which overturned in the lanes of eastbound I-8 and was subsequently struck by another car. Officer Craven had responded to the scene to render aid when the Camry struck both her and a driver involved in the original collision.
That second victim, identified by family members as 19-year-old De’Veonte Morris, also died as a result of the collision, the CHP confirmed. The circumstances surrounding the initial two-vehicle crash remain under investigation, but it served as the catalyst for the tragic events that followed.
CHP Captain Reggie Williams detailed the sequence of events on Tuesday, explaining that the incident involved a total of five vehicles. He stated that the collision began with the initial two-car crash, leading to the overturned vehicle and subsequent impact. It was during this chaotic scene that Officer Craven was struck while attempting to help those involved.
The La Mesa Police Department has mourned the loss of Officer Craven, who was described by colleagues and community members as a dedicated and compassionate officer. Details regarding memorial services have not yet been released.
The arrest of Alcantar followed an investigation by the CHP. He was taken into custody before 10:30 p.m. On , and was booked into the San Diego Central Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed pending the results of toxicology reports and further evidence analysis.
This incident underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and first responders who put themselves at risk to assist others. The loss of Officer Craven and Mr. Morris has deeply impacted the La Mesa community and beyond.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the CHP San Diego Area directly at 858-293-6000.
