Andrew Camilleri, California Highway Patrol Officer, Dead In Suspected DUI Crash

A California Highway Patrol officer died late Sunday night, and another was injured, when a speeding car drifted off the road and slammed into their stopped patrol car in a suspected case of drunken driving on southbound Interstate 880 in Hayward, California.

The officer, identified as Andrew Camilleri, 33, of Tracy and his partner, Jonathan Velasquez, had stopped their patrol SUV on the right shoulder of the highway to monitor traffic using a radar gun and other equipment, when a red Cadillac hit the vehicle coming at a high speed hit the car from behind, according to a statement by the California Highway Police-Golden Gate Division.

Camilleri died of injuries from the collision hours later, while Velasquez who was seated in the driver's seat, survived the wreck with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Assistant Chief Ernest Sanchez.

"The impact was so severe that it turned a utility vehicle into a very small compact vehicle," Sanchez said.

In a press conference reported by local networks, it was stated that Camilleri was married to Rosanna and was the father of three children, a daughter, and two sons, ages 12, 6 and 2.

Officers said Camilleri had planned to come home and open presents with his kids on Christmas morning, according to a report by ABC affiliate KTRK-TV.

Sanchez added: "I'm not only disappointed but also angered that I had to notify a mother and three children that their father had deceased at a local hospital after being impacted by an individual who chose to drive irresponsibly."

Camilleri had been with the CHP for a year and four months, Sanchez added.

“Today, we lost not only a hero but a son, a brother, a husband and a father to a senseless act and an irresponsible decision,” said Capt. Tim Pearson, who commanded the CHP’s Hayward area office. “Andrew was drawn to this profession due to his courage, integrity, and desire to serve. Andrew was a great man who loved his job and loved his family.”

California Governor Jerry Brown also issued a statement following news of the officer's death.

"Anne and I are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Officer Camilleri, who died yesterday while working to keep our communities safe. We join his family, friends and the entire California Highway Patrol in mourning his death and in honoring his sacrifice."

Many police departments and officers around the country also posted condolence messages on Twitter following Camilleri’s death.

He also announced that Capitol flags would be flown at half-staff in honor of Camilleri.

According to Sanchez, the driver of the car which crashed into the patrol vehicle was a 22-year-old from Hayward and was suspected of smoking marijuana as well as drinking alcohol before the crash. He was reported to be in a serious condition at a hospital. There is enough evidence to book him with “some very serious felony charges” after he leaves the hospital, Sanchez was quoted as saying by the LA Times.