KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News-Santa Barbara CHP Officer Identified in Deadly Motorcycle Accident

Santa Barbara CHP Officer Identified in Deadly Motorcycle Accident

10.30.09

LOS OLIVOS - 30-year-old Jarrod Martinez went to San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara and graduated from the CHP Academy last year.

Before joining the Highway Patrol, Martinez was a well-known and accomplished Audi mechanic at Cutter Motors in Santa Barbara.

Martinez was riding home on his personal motorcycle after appearing in traffic court Thursday on official CHP business.

Just after noon on Thursday Martinez was driving his motorcycle westbound on Steele Street near the intersection of Foxen Canyon Road, just south of Highway 154.

CHP investigators say a Porsche exiting Highway 154 and turning right at Foxen Canyon road cut-off Martinez as it was turning left onto Steele Street.

"Officer Martinez braked heavily and was ejected from his motorcycle", says Santa Barbra Area CHP Commander Capt. Jeff Sgobba, "he was struck by the Porsche which was unable to stop at the time."

The CHP says Martinez was dragged by the Porsche for about 45 feet and died at the scene.

The driver of the Porsche is identified by the CHP as 68-year-old Curtis Smith of Solvang and was not injured in the accident.

Smith was given a field sobriety test at the accident scene and was not arrested.

Capt. Sgobba fought back tears talking about the accident and Jarrod Martinez.

"He didn't make it home", Sgobba says, "a great beat partner, someone who would go out of his way to back you up and make sure you had help. His work ethic, his motivation, he was just a solid, solid young man."

Flowers were placed near the accident scene where Officer Martinez was killed.

People who live near the three-way intersection of Foxen Canyon, Ballard Canyon and Steele Street say it's notorious for close calls.

"The speed is horrendous", says 30 year resident Patricia Hanson.

"We knew it was going to happen", says Hanson's husband Frank, "it's so close so many times."

"It's tricky coming off the highway because you're coming off at 55 miles per hour", says local resident Sheridan Force who walks along Steele Street everyday, "and it's a very sharp little job before you have to make a turn."

Flags at the CHP station in Goleta where Officer Martinez worked are at half-staff in his honor.

"Its going to sting for a long time", says Capt. Sgobba, "and while time may ease that pain a little bit, we'll never forget him, we'll certainly never forget Jarrod Martinez."

Jarrod Martinez leaves behind his wife Trish and their four-year-old daughter Julia as well as other family members in the Santa Barbara area.

Governor Schwarzenegger issued this statement on the death of Officer Martinez:

"Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jarrod Martinez, who worked daily to protect his community. The Santa Barbara area is a better place because of his tireless service and we will never forget his dedication to public safety. On behalf of all Californians, we send our thoughts and prayers to Jarrod's family, friends and fellow officers."