LODD- CHP Officer John Miller (MVA) 11-16-07

[Truck4 48]

(AP)- 11-16-07

A California Highway Patrol officer was killed when he crashed into a tree in Livermore during a search to find a suspected drunk driver, authorities said today.

Officer John Miller, 32, was driving south on North Livermore Avenue about a mile north of Interstate 580 when he crashed his Ford Crown Victoria into a tree at about 9:15 p.m. Friday after losing control on a sharp curve, said CHP Officer Steve Creel.

Miller and other CHP officers were searching for a suspected drunken driver when the collision occurred, the CHP said. It was dark, and the two-lane rural road is not lit.

CHP dispatchers lost contact with Miller, and a motorist later reported that his car had crashed into a tree, Creel said.

Miller crashed on a part of the road where it curves sharply to the right and descends, Creel said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the CHP's Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team.

Livermore police located the drunken driving suspect, Luis Solano, 21, on eastbound I-580 near Greenville Road, and Solano was arrested by the CHP on suspicion of DUI, evading police and driving without a license, authorities said.

A Lodi resident, Miller joined the CHP office in Dublin in April shortly after graduating from the six-month CHP Academy in West Sacramento. He leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, a son and a daughter.

[RescueKujo 130]

May the Fallen Officer Rest in Peace. Thoughts and Prayers to his family, friends and the CHP Family.

[DOC22 1]

Thoughts and Prayers to Officer Miller's family, friends and the CHP. May God's Perpetual Light shine upon him, may he rest in peace and may God grant those left behind the strength to get through this tragedy.

[CPAGE 2]

R.I.P. may God hold you in his hands. Thoughts and Prayers to Officer Miller's family, friends and the CHP