A California Highway Patrol officer died Tuesday, about two weeks after being struck by a vehicle as he issued a ticket on the shoulder of the 405 Freeway.
CHP Officer Philip Ortiz, 48, "succumbed to his injuries" Tuesday, according to a CHP news release.
Ortiz was a motorcycle cop who served with the CHP for 28 years.The CHP release said he is survived by his wife, parents, sister and a large extended family.
On June 9, he was issuing a ticket on the shoulder of the northbound 405 (San Diego Freeway), south of National Boulevard in West LA. Officers said several witnesses reported that an Infiniti driver was passing vehicles on the shoulder before striking the officer.
Emergency crews worked to free Ortiz, who was pinned in the wreckage. He was transported to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in critical condition.
CHP officials said he died Tuesday afternoon.
Ortiz's relatives released a statement, saying they "would like to thank the public for all their prayers and encouraging words during this difficult time. During Philip's 28 years with the CHP, Philip cherished his public service and took pride in serving the citizens of the state of California. We would especially like to thank and acknowledge the entire California Highway Patrol family for their unyielding support and extraordinary public service. We ask that you continue to pray for all public safety employees."
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The case remains under investigation.
"On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our deepest sympathies to Philip's family and loved ones as they mourn the tragic loss of this outstanding officer," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said.
Officer Ortiz’s death marks the 218th CHP officer killed in the line of duty since the Department’s inception in 1929, according to the release.
Officer Thomas Coleman was killed in the line of duty June 11 when he was involved in a crash in the San Bernardino area. In May, Officer Daniel Benavides was killed when his CHP plane crashed near Ocotillo Wells.
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