Off-duty CHP Officer in Fatal TC

[StationM]

CHP veteran among four thought to be victims of Friday crash
By Craig Gustafson
Union-Tribune Staff Writer

7:22 p.m. August 30, 2009

A 19-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol and three relatives have been identified as the likely victims of a crash Friday that left four dead in Santee.

CHP officials on Sunday said that off-duty officer Mark Saylor, 45, is believed to be the driver of a loaned Lexus that collided with a Ford Explorer about 6:35 p.m. at state Route 125 and Mission Gorge Road.

The Lexus continued through the intersection, hitting a concrete curb and going through a picket fence. The car then hit a dirt embankment which launched it into the air. It rolled several times before coming to a stop in a dry patch of the San Diego River basin where it erupted in flames.

The other victims, riding in the Lexus, were identified as Saylor's wife, Cleofe, 45; daughter, Mahala, 13; and brother-in-law, Chris Lastrella, 38. The Saylors lived in Chula Vista.

None have been positively identified by the Medical Examiner's Office because they were burned beyond recognition, but CHP officials were confident of the identities after the initial investigation found that Mark Saylor had checked out the vehicle.

Investigators say the crash was reported about two minutes after a CHP dispatcher received a 911 call from one of the Lexus' passengers – most likely Saylor's wife – to report that the car's accelerator was stuck and they couldn't stop, said CHP spokesman Brian Pennings.

A witness told authorities that the Lexus was going at a speed in excess of 100 miles per hour.

Pennings, who knew Saylor personally, said the accident is a tremendous loss for San Diego County.

“We may not ever know exactly what happened and why it happened, but I have to believe he did everything he could,” Pennings said. “Officer Saylor was well-respected amongst his peers. He was a highly competent and outstanding officer.”

Saylor began his CHP career in 1989 at its West Valley station in Los Angeles. He later worked at the El Cajon station before his current post at CHP headquarters in downtown San Diego.

As part of his administrative job, Saylor conducted safety inspections for armored trucks, tow trucks and ambulances.

The CHP had few details about the other victims. Relatives of the Saylors could not be reached on Sunday.

Both the Lexus and Ford Explorer were traveling northbound on 125, which ends in a T-intersection with Mission Gorge Road in Santee. The Explorer was turning left onto Mission Gorge when the Lexus hit it from behind, authorities said. The traffic light was green.

“That vehicle (Lexus) was burned beyond recognition. The only thing left from the vehicle that was identifiable was the left rear tire – you could make out the L,” Pennings said.

Pennings said he didn't know where the Saylors were heading or why they were driving a loaned vehicle. He also couldn't say if the car came from a rental company, dealership or mechanic shop.

An investigator with the Medical Examiner's Office said that the office would not positively identify the bodies for several days, after an analysis of DNA and dental records is expected to finished.

[Pookie44]

My thoughts and prayers sent...RIP :(

[Adrian86]

I heard the audio of the call made on nothingtoxic.com this is horrible...

[Pookie44]

Rip :(

[Samuel]

RIP :( That's a terrible way to go.

Apparently Lexus is blaming floor mats. :rolleyes: