California: Qaneak Shaney Cobb charged with DUI; LAPD Officer Christopher Cortijo dead

 

Cobb faces DUI murder death of LAPD officerCrash photo courtesy of KTLA
OFFICER DIES FROM INJURIES

From Los Angeles Daily News
2014-04-09 —A Los Angeles Police Department motorcycle officer who was struck by an alleged DUI driver Saturday in Sun Valley has died, department officials said today.
Officer Christopher Cortijo was critically injured when the 26-year veteran of the force was stopped behind a Honda Accord at a red light on Lankershim Boulevard at Saticoy Street around 5:30 p.m., according to police. A Chevy Blazer speeding south failed to stop for the light and collided with the rear of his motorcycle, crushing him and the motorcycle between the two larger vehicles, officials said.
“It’s a tremendous sadness for all of us,” Deputy Chief Jorge Villegas, who oversees the LAPD’s Valley Bureau, said by phone after Cortijo’s death. “He was not only a great officer, but a great person. Everyone’s thoughts are with his family. His family will be our family forever.”
A Pacoima woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony charges of driving under the influence of drugs ….MORE

Female Driver Charged with Critically Injuring LAPD Officer
2014-04-09 — A 33-year-old Pacoima woman suspected of slamming her SUV into LAPD motorcycle officer, critically injuring him, was charged today, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Qaneak Shaney Cobb (dob 6/30/80) is scheduled to be arraigned at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in Van Nuys, Department 100.
She was charged in case LA077444 with one felony count each of driving under the influence of a drug causing injury and possession of a controlled substance, cocaine. The complaint alleges Cobb has prior convictions and that the accident caused serious bodily injury to the officer. Prosecutors will ask that her bail be set at $150,000.
Deputy District Attorney Mary Murray with the Crimes Against Peace Officers Unit is prosecuting the case.
The veteran officer was stopped at a red light behind another vehicle at Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street about 5:20 p.m. Saturday when a Chevrolet Blazer allegedly driven by Cobb hit him from behind. The crash crushed the officer between the two vehicles. Cobb, who has prior convictions for grand theft and drug possession, is facing more than 10 years in state prison if convicted.
From KABC
MISSION HILLS, LOS ANGELES (2014-04-09) — A blood drive was held Monday for an LAPD motorcycle officer who was struck by a DUI driver in Sun Valley Saturday. The officer is listed in critical condition.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Saticoy Street and Lankershim Boulevard around 5:34 p.m.
Investigators say the officer was stopped a traffic light when he was struck from behind by a red Chevrolet Blazer traveling at a high rate of speed. The officer ended up pinned between two vehicles.
The LAPD Valley Traffic Division officer, a 26-year veteran of the department, was rushed to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills. He underwent two surgeries and is now in a medically induced coma.
Family members and fellow officers have been visiting him at his bedside.
Capt. Maureen Ryan of the LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division said the injured officer was her partner when the two were traffic cops in the division 25 years ago.
“He’s dedicated to putting drunk drivers behind bars, and how tragic it is that he’s now suffering at the hands of someone,” Ryan said.
“He’s a loving father, a husband, so we just ask that all of you keep him in your prayers,” she added. “We’ve gotten an outpouring of support from the community and we’re grateful.”
The officer’s name has not been released out of respect for the family’s wishes.
Meantime, Qaneak Cobb, 33, was arrested for DUI and narcotics, according to LAPD Valley Traffic Division officials. Cobb was one of two people detained after Saturday’s crash. Cobb is facing felony charges and is being held on $185,000 bail. As of Monday morning, she was still in custody ….MORE