CHP officer killed in Christmas Eve freeway crash in Hayward

A California Highway Patrol officer, just hours from getting off duty and going home to open Christmas presents with his wife and three young children, was killed when an impaired driver swerved off the road and slammed into his patrol vehicle, which was parked near an on-ramp to Interstate 880 in Hayward, the CHP said Monday.

Andrew Camilleri Sr., 33, of Tracy, a CHP officer for a year and a half, was killed in the crash at 11:20 p.m. on Christmas Eve, CHP officials said. His partner, Officer Jonathan Velasquez, was treated at a hospital for lacerations and released Monday, said Sgt. Rob Nacke, a CHP spokesman.

“Today is not a holiday for the Highway Patrol. Today is about a tragic loss of one of our own, one by the name of Andrew Camilleri, who we will consider a hero now and forever,” CHP Assistant Chief Ernest Sanchez said at a news conference Monday in Hayward.

Sanchez said the driver who hit the officers, a 22-year-old Hayward man, was hospitalized with serious injuries. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, specifically marijuana. The driver’s name has not been released.

The California Highway Patrol officer killed in the crash on 880 was identified as Andrew Camilleri, 33. He leaves behind a wife and three children. The California Highway Patrol officer killed in the crash on 880 was identified as Andrew Camilleri, 33. He leaves behind a wife and three children. Photo: CHP Photo: CHP Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close CHP officer killed in Christmas Eve freeway crash in Hayward 1 / 4 Back to Gallery

“I come to you with a broken heart, but also anger,” Sanchez said. “This person chose to drive while under the influence of alcohol and also drugs, and this needs to stop.”

The two officers were assigned to a “maximum enforcement” Christmas Eve patrol for drunken drivers and speeders and were parked on the shoulder of southbound I-880 near the Winton Avenue on-ramp when a red Cadillac moving at a high rate of speed drifted off the roadway and struck their vehicle from behind, Sanchez said.

Sanchez said both officers were sitting in the patrol vehicle with their seat belts on. Velasquez was in the driver’s seat, while Camilleri was in the front passenger seat.

“The impact was so severe that it turned a utility vehicle into a very small compact vehicle,” Sanchez said. “So it kind of gives you an idea of the speeds that were involved.”

He said he had to notify Camilleri’s wife, Rosanna, of her husband’s death. The couple have a 12-year-old daughter and two sons, ages 2 and 6.

“The children were expecting their father to come home and help open Christmas presents,” Sanchez said.

He said the driver responsible for the fatality will face serious felony charges when he is released from the hospital.

“This individual was coming home from a party and obviously had too much to drink and maybe too much to smoke,” Sanchez said. “We have enough evidence and enough statements that have been made today to allow us to charge this individual.”

Camilleri joined the Highway Patrol in August 2016 and graduated from the CHP Academy on March 3, the patrol said. He was assigned to the Hayward area office.

He grew up in the Tracy area and graduated in 2002 from West High School in Tracy, according to an article published in April in the Tracy Press. While in high school he participated in the CHP Tracy office’s Explorer Program for students interested in law enforcement careers.

He worked for 13 years for Clark Pest Control in the Tracy area before finally realizing his dream of becoming a member of the CHP.

“Andrew was drawn to this profession due to his courage, his integrity and his desire to serve,” said Capt. Tim Pearson, commander of the CHP Hayward area office. “Andrew was a great man who loved his job, who loved his family.”

Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife, Anne Gust Brown, released a statement Monday lamenting the loss of Camilleri. The governor said flags at the state Capitol would be flown at half-staff in the officer’s honor.

“Anne and I are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Officer Camilleri, who died yesterday while working to keep our communities safe,” Brown said. “We join his family, friends and the entire California Highway Patrol in mourning his death and in honoring his sacrifice.”

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko

How to help CHP Officer Andrew Camilleri’s family

For those wishing to help Officer Camilleri’s family, the CHP says the California Association of Highway Patrolmen Credit Union will establish a benevolence fund that will direct all donations to the officer’s immediate family members. The account is scheduled to be opened Tuesday afternoon, and the fundraising site will be available at www.facebook.com/chpgoldengate.