A California Highway Patrol officer died Wednesday evening in a motorcycle crash in south Sacramento while chasing a suspect, officials said. Officer Lucas Chellew, 31, was on his motorcycle chasing a man, who was also riding a motorcycle, on eastbound Fruitridge Road when a silver vehicle crossed in front of Chellew about 5:45 p.m. near Stockton Boulevard, the CHP said. Chellew tried to avoid the vehicle, but hit the right side of the car, causing him to lose control, investigators said. Chellew suffered head trauma and was taken to UC Davis Medical Center, where he died less than 30 minutes later. "My heart aches on this terribly tragic day for the CHP as we have lost a hero, who swore a sacred and honorable oath to serve and protect the people of California,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. Officers have not found either the motorcycle rider or the driver of the vehicle that pulled out in front of Chellew. Investigators are working on multiple leads in an effort to find them. Chellew was a 8-year veteran of the department and was assigned to the south Sacramento division. He leaves behind his wife, a daughter and a son. Chellew came from a family of CHP officers: his father is a retired CHP captain and his sister is also a CHP officer. Gov. Jerry Brown released a statement Wednesday night expressing his condolences: "Anne and I join all Californians in offering our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Chellew, who worked day and night to keep the people of California safe. Officer Chellew's great courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten." No other details were released.

A California Highway Patrol officer died Wednesday evening in a motorcycle crash in south Sacramento while chasing a suspect, officials said.

Officer Lucas Chellew, 31, was on his motorcycle chasing a man, who was also riding a motorcycle, on eastbound Fruitridge Road when a silver vehicle crossed in front of Chellew about 5:45 p.m. near Stockton Boulevard, the CHP said.


Chellew tried to avoid the vehicle, but hit the right side of the car, causing him to lose control, investigators said.

Chellew suffered head trauma and was taken to UC Davis Medical Center, where he died less than 30 minutes later.

"My heart aches on this terribly tragic day for the CHP as we have lost a hero, who swore a sacred and honorable oath to serve and protect the people of California,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said.

Natalie Brunell/KCRA

Officers have not found either the motorcycle rider or the driver of the vehicle that pulled out in front of Chellew. Investigators are working on multiple leads in an effort to find them.

Chellew was a 8-year veteran of the department and was assigned to the south Sacramento division. He leaves behind his wife, a daughter and a son.

Chellew came from a family of CHP officers: his father is a retired CHP captain and his sister is also a CHP officer.

Courtesy of California Highway Patrol

Gov. Jerry Brown released a statement Wednesday night expressing his condolences:

"Anne and I join all Californians in offering our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Chellew, who worked day and night to keep the people of California safe. Officer Chellew's great courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten."



No other details were released.