Officer

California Highway Patrol

11/30/2022

Special Act Award (Gold)

On November 30, 2022, around 12:50 a.m., a vehicle was traveling eastbound on Interstate 8, just east of State Route 79 in San Diego County, when the solo driver suddenly made a U-turn. The driver was now traveling westbound on an eastbound freeway at approximately 70 miles per hour. Although it was a clear night, the driver was unaware and did not realize he was traveling in the wrong direction in a lane where a large portion had been removed due to ongoing construction. As a result, the driver struck an open trench. The impact caused the vehicle to propel airborne, while rotating in a clockwise manner, before colliding with the State Route 79 bridge rail, severely damaging the vehicle, roadway and railing. When the vehicle came to rest it was high centered on the bridge rail, with the front end partially hanging over and the engine on fire. Officer Christian Lara and his partner saw the vehicle flames and rushed to help. As they exited the freeway, they observed how the vehicle was partially hanging over the State Route 79 overcrossing with the engine compartment now fully engulfed in flames. Officer Lara swiftly approached the vehicle, seeing the male driver and recognizing he was unable to exit due to his injuries. He attempted to break the right front passenger window numerous times and eventually was successful. As the entire engine compartment of the vehicle continued to burn with the driver still inside, Officer Lara was able to effectively open the right front passenger door. Due to the driver’s sustained injuries, he was unable to exit the vehicle on his own. Despite the growing flames and intense heat, Officer Lara displayed courage and outstanding judgment, risked his life, grabbed hold of the driver and successfully removed him from the vehicle. Shortly after, the whole vehicle became fully engulfed in flames and was destroyed. The driver sustained a fractured right ankle and complained of pain in his left foot and chest as a result of the crash, with no other remarkable injuries. Based on the sequence of events and without Officer Lara’s selfless, lifesaving efforts, it is believed the driver would not have survived the collision.

The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Gold Medal of Valor to California Highway Patrol, Officer Christian Lara for his extraordinary act of heroism extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty.