This post has been updated. See note below for details.

A Los Angeles Police Department motorcycle officer struck Saturday by a driver allegedly under the influence of cocaine has died of his injuries, officials said.

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart we regret to announce the passing of our #LAPD Brother in Blue. RIP We will miss you!” the LAPD said in a Twitter message.

Qaneak Shaney Cobb, 33, faces a felony DUI charge, and prosecutors allege that she was under the influence of cocaine in her Chevrolet Blazer when she rear-ended the officer as he was stopped at a traffic light Saturday in North Hollywood. Cobb pleaded not guilty Tuesday.


The collision sent the officer and his motorcycle into the rear of the car in front of him, crushing him, officials said.

At a police commission meeting Tuesday, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck described the officer’s injuries as “catastrophic.”

[Updated at 4 p.m., April 9: Beck sent a tweet identifying the officer as Chris Cortijo.

“God Bless his family,” Beck said.]


richard.winton@latimes.com

kate.mather@latimes.com