California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano tragically lost his life early Wednesday morning while on duty. The 34-year-old officer was driving back to the West L.A. CHP Office with a partner after making an arrest when he suddenly reported feeling unwell. Just moments later, Cano lost control of his patrol vehicle and crashed into a tree in Culver City.
The accident occurred around 12:28 a.m. as Cano and his partner were heading south on Bristol Parkway. They had just taken a suspect into custody who was allegedly in possession of a firearm and drugs. Concerned about the suspect potentially overdosing, Cano had administered Narcan as a precaution before they began their return.
Despite the immediate response from emergency services, Cano was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center shortly after 1:40 a.m. His partner sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the scene, while the suspect was taken to Cedars-Sinai for evaluation, with injuries reported as not severe.
California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee expressed deep sadness over Cano’s death, highlighting his dedication to public safety. "We are devastated by the loss of Officer Cano," Duryee stated. "His courage and commitment will never be forgotten."
An investigation into the crash is underway, led by the department’s accident investigation team. Initial reports suggest that Cano did not have any known health issues, and officials have ruled out drug exposure as a cause of the incident. Duryee confirmed that neither the partner nor the suspect showed signs of drug-related symptoms.
Governor Gavin Newsom also commented on the tragedy, calling Cano’s passing a heartbreaking loss for the state. He noted that this marks the first line-of-duty death for the CHP since 2020, and flags at the State Capitol will be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen officer.
Cano, who graduated from the CHP Academy just last November, leaves behind his wife and parents. His fellow officers paid tribute to him in a solemn procession as his body was transported to the medical examiner’s office, reflecting the profound impact he had on his colleagues and the community he served.