Laguna Beach Officer was killed in a crash involving a pickup truck late Saturday.
Jon Coutchie was a 41 year old motorcycle officer. He was travelling northbound on South Coast Highway. Coutchie was trying to find a motorist who had been reported speeding. Unfortunately, he was broadsided when a GMC pickup attempted to turn onto Cleo Street. The accident took place at around 11:30 p.m.
The GMC pickup truck was attempting to make a left turn. The driver collided into Coutchie’s Honda ST 1300. Coutchie was thrown from the motorcycle. Two officers reported to the scene of the accident. By the time the officers reported to the scene, Coutchie had already succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the pickup was a 20 year old. The driver stayed at the scene of the accident. Investigators questioned the driver, and he was released. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash. The California Highway Patrol is investigation the crash. It is not clear whether Jon Coutchie had his lights or siren on.
Coutchie is the first Laguna Beach officer to die in the line of duty since 1953. Before he was a police officer, he served as an U.S. Army Ranger. He was a ranger from 2003 to 2007. Coutchie joined the military after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and he served two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Coutchie was given an honorable discharge.
He started working as a part-time jailer at the Laguna Beach Police Department. The Laguna Beach Police Department sponsored him through the Goldenwest Police Academy in 2008. He became an officer in 2009. Captain Jason Kravetz described Coutchie has a hard working officer who was passionate about his job.
Coutchie was well liked in the department. The department is a small department of 47 police officers and 40 non-sworn staff members. This death was a shock to the whole department. The department created a makeshift memorial of flowers, balloons, and an American flag were erected near the scene of the crash. Coutchie is survived by his parents, brother, stepsister, and girlfriend. The accident took place 11 days before Coutchie’s 42nd birthday.
If you are ever in a motorcycle accident, contact a Laguna Beach motorcycle accident lawyers. Motorcycle accidents are often serious and even fatal. A Laguna Beach motorcycle accident lawyer will make sure you are fairly compensated for all the damages.