Overview
- Authorities say the late-night collision near Fairmount Avenue began around 10:25 p.m. Monday when two cars crashed and one overturned in the eastbound lanes.
- CHP Capt. Reggie Williams said subsequent impacts followed, and a later-arriving vehicle struck Officer Lauren Craven and the overturned car’s driver, killing both.
- Investigators reported five vehicles were ultimately involved, multiple people were injured, and the cause of the initial overturn remains under investigation.
- Eastbound I-8 was fully closed with traffic diverted to I-15 through Tuesday morning, and the freeway reopened by about 1 p.m.
- Craven had joined La Mesa police in February 2024 as a patrol officer, officials issued condolences, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags lowered, and CHP urged drivers to slow down and move over when they see lights.