CHP Officer Hit by Car Is Still Critical
PALM SPRINGS — California Highway Patrol Officer Saul Martinez remained on life support Friday as investigators continued their inquiry into how a motorist drifted off a roadway and struck him during a traffic stop.
Martinez, 39, sustained serious head trauma early Thursday when he was struck and dragged beneath the car after he shoved his partner, Donovan Rice, out of the way.
Desert Hospital spokesman Randy Bevilacqua said Martinez remained in critical condition with unstable vital signs.
Tami Low, a public information officer at the CHP office in Indio where Martinez is stationed, said the officer remained on life support. The station, she said, has been swamped with flowers, cards and donations for Martinez and his family.
“The Coachella Valley is a very close community, and everyone is really pulling together,†she said. “People are even honking their horns and waving to us when they pass us, and offering us their condolences when they see us personally. It’s been very heartwarming. People don’t normally do that.â€
Contributions to the family can be sent to the Martinez Family Trust Fund at First Community Bank, 74750 Highway 111, Indian Wells, CA 92210.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
