On August 10, 2018, at approximately 9:01am, CHP motorcycle Officer Kirk Griess was conducting a traffic stop on a Saturn SUV on the right shoulder of westbound I-80, near Manuel Campos Parkway in Fairfield, when a white Chevrolet pickup truck veered onto the shoulder and collided with the CHP motorcycle, Officer Griess, and the Saturn. Officer Griess and the driver of the Saturn were both transported to the hospital, where, tragically, both succumbed to their injuries. The driver of the truck was also hospitalized and is currently being questioned by investigators.

Officer Griess was a highly respected 19-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol, with the past 16 years served at the Solano Area Office. Officer Griess also served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife, Kari, his two daughters, Kadi (25) and Kaci (21), and his son Kole (14).

Additional details and funeral information will be forwarded as available.