CC
U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
Christopher Cortijo
2014
Christopher Alan Cortijo served the U.S. Marine Corps.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Motor vehicle
What Happened
Police Officer Chris Cortijo succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when his police motorcycle was struck from behind by an impaired driver at the intersection of Lankershim Boulevard at Saticoy Street.
Officer Cortijo was stopped at a red light when the impaired driver struck him from behind at full speed, trapping him between the drunk driver's vehicle and the vehicle that was in front of him. He was transported to a local hospital where he remained in a coma until succumbing to his injuries.
The driver who struck Officer Cortijo was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and possession of cocaine. She was sentenced to 15 years to life in October 2017.
Officer Cortijo was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 26 years.
Officer Cortijo was stopped at a red light when the impaired driver struck him from behind at full speed, trapping him between the drunk driver's vehicle and the vehicle that was in front of him. He was transported to a local hospital where he remained in a coma until succumbing to his injuries.
The driver who struck Officer Cortijo was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and possession of cocaine. She was sentenced to 15 years to life in October 2017.
Officer Cortijo was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 26 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his son, daughter, grandchild, and brother.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
Los Angeles Police Department
Police Officer II
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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