Driver Killed In Suspected DUI Pursuit, Crash Identified: Police

LOS GATOS, CA — A passenger who died in a vehicle chase early Wednesday morning by California Highway Patrol officers was identified as 33-year-old Christopher Rodden of San Jose, the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner reported.

CHP officers tried to pull over the vehicle for suspected DUI on state Highway 87 just after 2 a.m., according to CHP Officer Ross Lee. The driver exited the highway on Curtner Avenue, but when he sped away, the CHP Officers discontinued their pursuit, Lee said.

San Jose police officers later found the vehicle crashed at the intersection of Monterey Road and Tully Road. It had crashed into a light pole, through a chain link fence and then into a parked truck trailer, police said.

The driver was taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. The passenger was killed in the crash. Police did not immediately release the name of the driver or passenger.

It was the 28th fatal crash in San Jose this year. Police are investigating and asking anyone with information to call the traffic investigations unit at 408-277-4654.

Rodden's death marked the 28th fatal collision of the year in San Jose.

—Bay City News