Crime & Safety

Cop in Wreck Speeding 70-75 MPH, Without Seat Belt

A deputy was speeding without a seat belt when he crashed into a light pole Monday morning, authorities say.

A deputy who crashed into a center median light pole on Marguerite Monday morning was traveling at 70-75 MPH, sheriff's Captain Jim Rudy said.

The deputy did not fasten his seat belt and was ejected from the car, Rudy said.

"He was not responding to a call, and he was exceeding the posted speed limit on Marguerite, which is I believe 45 MPH," the captain said.

The deputy's name has not been released "out of respect for his privacy and the family," Rudy said.

Standing water on the road and mist contributed to the crash, along with the driver's speed, a sheriff's department spokesman said Tuesday.

The unnamed deputy has patrolled Mission Viejo for more than five years, Rudy said.

A full investigation will be performed before assessing who is responsible for the destruction of the light pole and the Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser the deputy drove, Rudy said. The sheriff's department's Major Accident Reconstruction Team is performing the investigation.

"They will be doing a full investigation," Rudy said. "When that is completed, this matter will be looked at by the department very closely."


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