California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano tragically lost his life early Wednesday morning while on duty. The 34-year-old officer was driving with a partner after making an arrest. They were transporting a DUI suspect to the West L.A. CHP Office when Cano suddenly said he wasn’t feeling well. Moments later, he lost control of their patrol car and crashed into a tree in Culver City.
The accident occurred around 12:28 a.m. as they were traveling south on Bristol Parkway, near Green Valley Circle. Cano was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center shortly after arriving, around 1:40 a.m. His partner sustained minor injuries and was treated on the scene. The suspect they were transporting also suffered injuries but was not seriously hurt.
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee expressed deep sorrow over Cano’s death, highlighting his dedication and commitment to public safety. “We are devastated by the loss of Officer Cano,” Duryee said. “His courage will never be forgotten.” Governor Gavin Newsom also issued a statement, calling Cano’s passing a heartbreaking loss for the state and noting that flags at the State Capitol would fly at half-staff in his honor.
Cano, who recently graduated from the CHP Academy in November, is survived by his wife and parents. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation. Authorities have ruled out drug exposure as a cause, stating that neither Cano’s partner nor the suspect showed any signs of drug-related issues. The investigation is being led by the department’s accident investigation team.
This incident marks the first line-of-duty death for the CHP since 2020, underscoring the risks that law enforcement officers face every day in their commitment to serving the community.