At approximately 10:25pm on Monday, October 20, 2025, Officer Lauren Craven with the La Mesa Police Department was returning from the San Diego Central Jail in her marked patrol vehicle when she stopped to assist motorists involved in a multi-vehicle collision on eastbound I-8 at Fairmount Avenue in the College Area. CHP officials reported a driver lost control of their vehicle and hit another car, overturned, and then came to rest on the freeway lanes. That disabled vehicle was then struck by another car. In total, five vehicles were involved in the collision.

Officer Craven and the driver in the initial incident were struck by an oncoming vehicle while the officer was assisting two motorists involved in the collision. CHP Officers performed lifesaving efforts, but tragically Officer Craven died at the scene.

Officer Craven, age 25, joined the La Mesa Police Department in February 2024, and was assigned to the Patrol Division.