CHP Capt. Jeff Sgobba gave a press conference yesterday afternoon outside of the Santa Barbara headquarters about CHP officer Jarrod Martinez who was killed while on duty in a traffic accident in Los Olivos Thursday. Martinez was a San Marcos High School graduate. Photo by Victor Maccharoli
California Highway Patrol Officer Jarrod Martinez, a one-year rookie who just days ago wrapped up his first high-profile investigation, was killed on Thursday in a motorcycle accident in Los Olivos, authorities announced.
“This office is reeling today; we’re on our heels,” said Capt. Jeff Sgobba, commander of the Santa Barbara area CHP, where Martinez was assigned and thrived during his first year as an officer. “This is just a lesson for everyone in the frailty of life.”
Martinez, 30, was struck by a 2009 Porsche on Steele Street, a tree-lined road that crosses the southern tip of Foxen Canyon Road next to Highway 154. Vehicles often exit the highway onto Foxen Canyon Road and cut onto Steele Street as it bends into Los Olivos. But traffic on quiet Steele Street can be difficult to see.
Sgobba said the Porsche, driven by 68-year-old Curtis Seymour Smith, did just this, exiting the highway and turning sharply onto Steele Street, traveling for a brief time in the oncoming traffic lane.
Upon seeing the oncoming car, Sgobba said Martinez hit the brakes and flew off the bike, only to be hit by the passing car and dragged beneath it for approximately 45 feet. An off-duty medical examiner rendered first aid, but Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident occurred at 12:15 p.m. Though Martinez was technically on duty, he was on his way home from work, riding his red, 1998 Honda motorcycle.
He had been subpoenaed to court in Santa Barbara earlier that morning, a regular part of the job for many law enforcement officers.
Before heading home to Buellton, Sgobba, who fought back tears throughout a news conference, said Martinez stopped by CHP headquarters to complete his application to become a motorcycle officer, but “didn’t make it home.”
A rookie officer, Martinez graduated from the CHP academy one year ago today, and was stationed at the Santa Barbara office a few days later.
Sgobba said Martinez decided to enlist in the CHP after several years as a top-notch Audi mechanic at Cutter Motors on Hope Avenue, where he started working after graduating from San Marcos High School in 1997.
Being stationed in his home county, Sgobba said, was a testament to Martinez’s stellar performance at the academy.
“Here’s a kid coming home,” he said, “thrilled to be here. He just couldn’t wait to come to work and help people.”
Sgobba said Martinez quickly found his niche in investigative work, and last March, got his first chance to shine. He became the lead investigator in a fatal vehicle accident, in which the suspect, 21-year-old Fabian Maduena, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving without a license or insurance and fleeing the scene of an accident.
Martinez helped piece together a complicated crime scene, which unraveled just before 9:30 p.m. on March 7 when dispatchers received calls that a white Mercedes was traveling a high rate of speed southbound on Highway 101 near Fairview Avenue. As the Mercedes, driven by Maduena, neared the Fairview under crossing, it clipped the driver’s rear side of a white Volkswagen sedan, bumping the car off the roadway where it hit an asphalt berm, causing the vehicle to flip an undetermined number of times before coming to a rest on its wheels in the brush along the roadway.
As the Volkswagen was flipping, 41-year-old Rosario Silvestre, who was not wearing her seatbelt, was ejected and killed.
Meanwhile, Maduena left the scene, only to be spotted pulled over several miles from the away. Prosecutors say Maduena stopped his car only after the hood popped up, blocking his vision.
In September, Maduena, of Hollister, Calif., pleaded guilty to several of the charges, and earlier this week, was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
“It was a thrill to watch him progress,” Sgobba said. “[He] was an officer who truly had his whole career ahead of him.”
Smith, the driver of the Porsche, was not arrested, and as of yesterday, had not been cited, Sgobba said. However, he stressed that the investigation is ongoing and charges might well be filed.
The CHP commissioner stopped by CHP headquarters yesterday to speak with officers, Sgobba said, and even spent some time with Martinez’s widow, Patricia.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement, and noted that in honor of Martinez, flags at the state capitol would be flown at half-staff.
Though his time in the CHP was brief, Martinez seemed to make a strong impression on Sgobba and his colleagues. Sgobba described the man as “a sponge waiting to take it all in,” “someone who always had a smile,” and “a kid with tremendous amount of potential and tremendous upside.”
“It’s going to sting for a very long time,” he said. “We’re certainly never going to forget Jarrod Martinez.”
Martinez is survived by his wife and 4-year-old daughter, Julia. A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens.
medical coverage : 10/31/2009
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spruillhand
a partner.... : 10/31/2009
thanks for all your help on the streets martinez....rip brother....
pd officer
The truth is... : 10/31/2009
It is a thankless task and we, the public, need to honor these guys who every day risk their lives for us. So the next time you come in contact with a peace officer thank him because the person you thank may not be here tomorrow.
jk
Motorcyle Crash Los Olivos : 10/31/2009
The calamity is emotionally moving. But on the analytical side I cannot help but wonder why someone with good sense would use one of the most dangerous vehicles, a motorcycle, in a such calamitous world. I am also curious as to how someone could be "technically on duty" while riding their private motorcycle and "on his way home." Many corporations forbid the use of motorcycles while "on duty" due to the obvious safety issues, injuries, deaths and liability. Shouldn't the State Highway Patrol have similar policies considering the high rate of death and injuries while riding motorcycles. And why are our communities being increasingly settled with increasing numbers of motorcycles, racing hotrods and high performance vehicles such as Porsches. Isn't Los Olivos supposed a quaint and quiet small town.
JR
To JR : 10/31/2009
I believe the 'on-duty- is a misprint. The motorcycle thing; well, in this career, and for those of us who work in SB to protect the community cannot afford to live there. Commuting is expensive as all commuters know. Motorcycles sometimes are just a cheap way to commute on a mediocre salary.
friend : 10/31/2009
We'll miss you Jarrod. I'll always remember the things we've done together. You're not forgotten. I sent you some prayers. Peter
God bless
Jarrod Martinez CHP : 10/31/2009
Prayers to the family and friends. Thank you to each of you in public service to our communities.
On duty? : 10/31/2009
The on duty comment is most likely not a misprint. Because Peace Officers are on duty 24 hours a day the way "on duty' is defined is far different from others. The article says the Martinez was on his way home (as opposed to 'on his way to the station') from testifying in court. That suggests he was testifying on his normal day off. If so he should be on duty from the moment he leaves until he arrives home. It's rather disingenuous to say you were emotionally moved by his death and then proceed to make Martinez responsible for his own death at the hands of a 68 year old man, who should know better, playing Mario Andretti. Curtis Smith driving the wrong direction in Martinez' lane and no one else is responsible for his death. I hope his widow and daughter do not read blogs.
Allison Rose
Our thoughts are with those who are affected-RIP Officer- : 10/31/2009
*A motorcycle was not the cause or errant vehicle in this incident. Officer Martinez was just riding his motorcycle on a very benign street and a car took him out . So many who drive cars do not realize the dangers THEY cause those of us who use motorcycles on a daily basis. I too, ride for the sheer enjoyment factor a motorcycle gives the rider. I am sure tht is the reason Officer Martinez rode as well. Unfortunately, the many "cagers" or car drivers who are on cell phones, tailgating, impeading right of way options for riders cause issues everyday for motorcyclists- most of us, MOST of the time are able to avoid these individuals who HAVE to talk on their cell phones or worse. The plethera of weekend bicyclist who feel the need to ride 2,3 or 4 abreast on our backroads are another cause of motorcycle accidents. Imagine going around a blind corner on HWY 192 , to find a car travleing in the opposite direction passing these selfish bicyclists riding 4 abreast , coming over the double yellow into your lane... That senerio happens EVERY weekend on our county roads.... Please think about these issues next time your out driving around.
Daily Rider
Jarrod : 10/31/2009
The truth is this is the second death in Los Olivos due to a car and motorcycle incident in a couple years.
jk
Friend : 10/31/2009
Jarrod was a great person. He had the best smile and dimples you could every imagine. He will be missed dearly.
My best friend. : 11/1/2009
Jarrod and I grew up together. He was one of the best drivers I ever knew. He really had "cat" like reflexes. He was so speacial to everyone he came in contact with. He would do anything for anyone, anytime. Smiley Jarrod with his dimples lived the dream of being married to his high school sweetheart. We shared many jobs together as teens. Including the automotive field. However it wasnt untill he was accepted into the C.H.P. that he found his true calling. He was the so enthusiatic about his future with the highway patrol. He helped inspire my own brother to join law enforcemnt. It should not matter if he was on duty or not. He would of put himself on "duty" if he needed to assist anyone. As far as motorcycle usage relates, he wanted to be a motorcycle C.H.P. officer, that takes practice, on a motorcycle. It should be looked at as job training. Jarrod, I am proud of you. always.
Old Friend missed : 11/1/2009
Jarrod was one of the kindest people I've ever met and I'm thankful that we instantly became friends. Tisha and Julia, my heart goes out to you guys I know he was a great dad and a loving husband! He will not be forgotten by a lot of people. Just remember the good times we all shared with him and he will never be forgotten!!!!
Melissa
RIP : 11/1/2009
A Officer on Duty and a local, my sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow officers.
Michel
Jarrod Martinez : 11/1/2009
I knew and worked with Jarrod and he was always upbeat and honest. We had similer interests,guns and motorcycles. It is such a shame to loose him and really it is not his fault as the driver of the car is responsable for cutting corner. It was Porche's drivers fault for not looking for oncoming traffic before CUTTING CORNER THE STUPID SOB! ~~~~~~I am really sorry Trish,Love to you in your time of need, and so long my friend Jarrod,Love --S.B.H.
CHP
A good man : 11/1/2009
Jarrod was an exceptional man, the kind of person that most us strive to be. May our love for him forever be remembered and honored in the caring for his wife and child.
Sy
Officer Jarrod Martinez : 11/2/2009
First, to those who would write such heartless, critical comments, questioning the on-duty status of Officer Martinez, here is bit of education for you: Officer Martinez was on a day off the date he was required to testify on a work-related matter in court. As such, when required to appear in court on a work-related matter, an officer is considered "on-duty" from the time he departs his residence for court until the time he returns back home from his court appearance. How many of you are required to spend your days off from work testifying in court for work-related matters? For those of you who would write such criticism for the officer's family members and colleagues to read while grieving a senseless loss, shame on you for your ignorance & failure to know all the facts before speaking out of turn. Secondly, Jarrod, may you rest in peace. It was an honor working with you & watching you develop into such a conscientious officer. The CHP has lost an individual who possessed flawless integrity and a strong work ethic. Your absence will leave a painful void at Shift Briefings, as well as through each tour of duty on C-Watch - a void which will never be filled by another. But know, Jarrod, we will carry on the same work ethic you demonstrated on a daily basis in your honor. Officer Jarrod Martinez, #19081, Santa Barbara Area CHP, End-of-Watch 10-29-09. Our lives are richer for having known you and we will do our best to care for your academy classmates and your family through this tragedy.
DLB12281
Don't Kill the Fact Based Messenger : 11/2/2009
O.K. if the press ever did some really good reporting then we wouldn't be having this animosity here. But for all the motorheads promoting their favorite excuses for riding motorcycles and driving hotrods then this commercial that is currently being aired by the Lexus will perhaps explain. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuD8-OUCRe8 It is your favorite corporation selling you that special piece of crap that you ride or drive that is to blame. All motor vehicle corporations are all now selling performance including old safety mainstays such as Subaru and Volvo. So what else have we learned. 1.) people die when people do stupid stuff like flying through the air on a motorcycle. 2.) there is little margin for error on a motorcycle. 3.) the State will have lost an officer 4.) the State (the taxpayer) will have a huge liability 5.) The family loss is obvious. So why are you blaming me for posting to a news article, this isn't an obituary! And stop being an emotional ditto head and start thinking!
JR
JR : 11/2/2009
We live in a big bold world; I know this is off subject, I apologize to the CHP and others, but I can't sit here and read your dithering thoughts on "performance and vehicles..." Your pious attitude shows your ignorance. I'm happy that you take pleasure in walking in your Birkenstocks. Perhaps you will now sell your Subaru or Volvo with all your political stickers on the back since they are making "performance vehicles..." Last time I checked, we live in the United States, where adults aren't dictated (yet) by the likes of you and your agenda. Maybe the you could move to the backward (700 A.D.) thinking of the Taliban, I'd be happy to buy you a few pairs of Birkenstocks so you can walk your way to Afghanistan.
bikes and performance cars : 11/2/2009
JR, it seems to me you started the animosity here with your comments about bikes and high performance cars. Some of us like to live to its fullest and if that means riding a bike we wil, I rode one for 30 years until Soccer Mom ran a stop sign and tried to take me out 2 year ago. I swore I would not get on a bike again but I am looking again, the thrill one gets when living life is just too great to miss out on. R.I.P. Jarrod You may enjoy painting landscape scenes or long walks on the beach or who knows what it is you enjoy, but don't attack us for enjoying something else and we won't attack you for enjoying whatever it is you do. That is why they say we are all different, I enjoy motorcycle riding and my convertible cars, its all I have owned for 34 years of driving. Some were performance cars, some were not but they were always convertibles, if you live in town, you know me, I am the guy with the top down in the rain. Driving for you is a way to get to your destination, enjoy your destination but don't tell me I can't enjoy the trip to my destination, life is too short to not drive the car you want (or motorcycle)
Mike
Idiot poster : 11/2/2009
So...if he had been in a car and had been hit head on then you would find the decency and sympathy to quell your ridiculous anti-motorcycle propaganda? You're an idiot. Go post somewhere where THAT is the topic at hand. This article is about a CHP officer who was killed by another motorist. He was riding safely and frankly...you are being so insensitive and belligerent with your grandstanding that you can't even see the forest through the trees. He died through NO fault of his own. Shut your mouth. It's not an obituary but the core subject of this article is that someone lost their life...not whether or not motorcycles are safe.
SBRes
One of the best... : 11/2/2009
You will always be one of my best friends bro.....I will love you and miss you forever! :(
My old friend : 11/2/2009
Jarrod will be missed by many people. He was a very good friend, son, husband and dad. My heart goes out to his family!
Shannon English
Bye Jarrod : 11/4/2009
Martinez RIP : 11/5/2009
As a dispatcher with the CHP its both heartbreaking and emotional to here of one of our officers loosing their life. Whether it be on or off duty! My condolences and prayers to his family as well as our CHP family out in the Ventura office.
Aisha LACC
411 E. Canon Perdido, Ste 2
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone (805) 564-6001
Fax (805) 962-9101
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