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CHP officer killed in Los Olivos crash

By Staff

A 30-year-old California Highway Patrol officer killed in a motorcycle accident in Los Olivos was remembered by colleagues Friday as a young man whose career was maturing into a model of dedication to public service.

The fatal accident occurred Thursday as Officer Jarrod Martinez of Buellton was driving home on his 1998 Honda motorcycle after testifying in a traffic-court appearance in Santa Barbara, according to Capt. Jeff Sgobba, commander of the Santa Barbara CHP office where Martinez was assigned.

Martinez was struck and dragged by a 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera driven by Curtis Seymour Smith, 68, of Solvang at about 12:15 p.m., Sgobba said.

The accident occurred on Steele Street, where it connects to Foxen Canyon Road, on the south side of Highway 154.

00020000051F0000032D519,According to the CHP report, Smith turned right off of eastbound Highway 154 onto Foxen Canyon, then cut the corner short as he turned onto Steele Street, “which caused his vehicle to be positioned on the wrong side of the road as he transitioned onto Steele Street.”

A row of trees obscured Smith’s line of sight as he made the turn, the CHP said.

Martinez, who was westbound on Steele, took evasive action and braked hard to avoid a collision, which caused him to be thrown from his red motorcycle. The Porsche then struck Martinez and dragged him under the undercarriage for about 45 feet, according to the CHP report.

Although he was riding his personal motorcycle, Martinez was on duty at the time of his death, the CHP said. He was wearing protective gear, such as a helmet, jacket, gloves and boots, the CHP said.

Officers from the Buellton CHP office and the agency’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team are handling the investigation.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden at Ancapa and Anapamu streets in Santa Barbara.

On Friday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement announcing capitol flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor.

A trust fund for Martinez’s family is being set up at Wells Fargo Bank.