UPDATE Thursday:
A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy stationed at the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic was killed in a Wednesday-night traffic collision on San Francisquito Canyon Road north of Powerhouse No. 2.
At approximately 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, 31-year-old Deputy Brandon Arce of Lancaster was traveling southbound on San Francisquito Canyon Road, approaching Stator Lane, according to CHP officials.
For an unknown reason, Arce lost control of his vehicle, partially crossed over the double yellow lines into the northbound traffic lane, and collided with a vehicle driven by Katelyn Sanders, 20, of Green Valley.
As a result of the traffic collision, both parties suffered major injuries and were transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.
While at Henry Mayo, Arce succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 11:08 p.m.
Just south of the ill-fated St. Francis Dam, the crash site was the same location where a vehicle ran off the road and burst into flames in February 2014 as seen [here]. It’s also where Capt. Carrie Stuart, then-commander of the Pitchess Detention Center-South Facility, narrowly survived a head-on collision Dec. 7, 2012.
Alcohol or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in Wednesday night’s collision.
| Heather Harbin, AM-1220 KHTS
LASD Statement
On Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at approximately 9:40 p.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department tragically lost one of our own. While off-duty and in his personal vehicle, Deputy Brandon Arce was involved in a fatal traffic collision. He was travelling southbound on San Francisquito Canyon Road in the unincorporated area of Santa Clarita when for an undetermined reason his vehicle collided head-on with another vehicle. Deputy Arce was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local area hospital for treatment.
Deputy Arce began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in the fall of 2007. He was a graduate of Academy Class 370 and was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff in 2008. During his time with the Sheriff’s Department, he was assigned to the Pitchess Detention Center’s East Facility and Court Services Division. His most recent assignment was at the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic.
Deputy Arce was an avid marksman and a resident of Lancaster. He is survived by his parents, Gilbert and Maria Arce; two brothers Andrew and Eric; and his fiancé Stefanie Perez.
Deputy Arce’s father is a retired member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He served the residents of Los Angeles County with distinction for more than 32 years, rose to the rank of lieutenant and retired in 2012.
Sheriff Jim McDonnell stated the following, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Deputy Brandon Arce, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Law enforcement is a close knit community and when we lose a member of our family the loss is definitely felt by everyone. We have Department personnel with his family offering support during this challenging time. As we work through this devastating loss, our thoughts go out to the families and all those affected by this tragedy.”
The traffic investigation is being handled by the Newhall Division of the California Highway Patrol.
Photo: Rick McClure
Original story:
A collision claimed at least one life Wednesday night on San Francisquito Canyon Road approximately 6 miles north of Copper Hill Drive.
According to the CHP, the collision was reported at 9:47 p.m. and involved two small cars.
The crash site was just north of the intersection of San Francisquito Canyon Road and Stator Lane, where the LADWP Powerhouse No. 2 community is located. Stator is also the only place there’s a stop sign on San Francisquito between Copper Hill and Green Valley.
A resident of the area said the crash occurred just south of the onetime St. Francis Dam – roughly the same place a vehicle ran off the road and burst into flames in February 2014 as seen [here].
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117 Comments
Wow :(
Kristin Cohen, I’m so glad I’m not working right now. ?
Close that road for ever.
We just need to close it off to non residents. I live on this road can’t just close it. I do need to leave the mountain.
Why? Accidents there don’t happen as often as other roads like Sierra highway or the 5
People also use that road to evacuate from fires too
Well, Ann Hustis, you could continue to avoid it as I assume you do; it’s not my favorite road either. And every one else could just slow the heck down and pay attention to the road.
Simple solution for someone that doesn’t use the canyon. I live in Green Valley, so closing “that road forever” isn’t an option.
The problems on Sierra Highway continues. Talked to the City they said they needed two weeks to go over the problems. They called me again said they would call me back in a week. It has been over a month. Three more serious accidents have occurred in the last month. Time for us call the City and demand action. The deaths and serious injuries keep escalating.
Yep I heard all the sirens and then helicopter . I’ve only lived up here 2 years and there has been a lot of accidents there
http://ktla.com/2015/10/15/sheriffs-deputy-dies-after-2-vehicle-crash-near-castaic-authorities/
Terrible.
Isabel Hernandez God works in mysterious ways. This is about the time I would have been coming home….
Yikes.. It’s a good thing you didn’t come to bible study.. Love you!!!
Just heard this on the news. Wow thank god bigtime.
It has been almost three months since I started talking to the City Officials and had a telephone meeting with them. The County also was supposed to get involved. I guess our safety is not important. We can change the traffic signals and make a huge difference with left turn lanes dedicated. Let’s spend the money we pay in taxes and rip up the center islands and put pavers in instead. Be careful driving on Sierra Highway.
God be with his family at this time. Prayers so sad . R.I.P
Our hearts go out to the victims very sorry very sad there needs to be Highway Patrol out there !that strip of highway is known for speed !
People drive like crazy in the canyon. Passing when they shouldn’t etc. So many deaths. Crosses up and down the road. So sad.
I was wondering what had happen so sad.
Some drivers… get two lanes they think street is their. Yesterday morning In a curve she got two lanes I almost was hit for a lady. Was so close
Oh My god!!! Oh My god… So close… You are lucky to be alive… Oh my god…
Calzón….
I’ve lived out here since 1994 right before the big quake. I’ve never used that route but it sounds very dangerous for sure!
Units were there all night.
It’s so sad. At the time of the accident that storm was moving through there which made it really slippery. Best not to drive San Fran at night and when it’s raining
There was torrential rain and lightning minutes before the accident site.worst driving condition I’ve ever been in.
Lyndsie Dellefield, just an FYI.
Meh. Sounds like people should be more responsible when driving…
That area does have its fair share of accidents as does other locations throughout the City and County. That particular location is well outside of City Limits. The County would be the proper agency to discuss the issues with the road. Maybe even reach out to the County Supervisor for this area. Prayers to both our Deputies family and the other party involved.
I was at the scene of it last night before the cops got there. Very scary and very sad. My thoughts are with the families and especially with the girl who’s in serious condition.
Median landscaping had nothing to do with this tragic accident. The location of the accident is several miles outside City Limits and the maintenance and any other work is the responsibility of the County. Not sure if County Sheriff patrols this area or CHP. Not sure of the exact circumstances of this accident, so I wont comment on the cause, but trying to get people to drive safe through this area is like trying to plug 11 holes with just 10 fingers…again, Prayers to all involved including the families that live out here and have to hear these accidents all the time.
Susan Hornbrook aren’t you glad we didn’t go on that drive last night?! I told you it was dangerous!
Very sad. :( maybe it was rain or lightening related. We heard the sirens. Prayers for the families.
The residents of San Francisquito Canyon should consider pertitioning to reduce the speed limit in the canyon to 45MPH and push to have enforcement out there. There are FAR too many deaths and too much traffic for this winding canyon road. The reduced speed limit and enforcement might deter some people from taking the road all together.
I agree 1000000% I am on that road quite often with my small daughter and people treat that road like a race track. It is very scary!
Yeah on the map it looks like theres,a curve where it happened ibdrive Bouquet Cyn and Sierra Hwy because I don’t do the Fwy people never pay attention to the speed limits if your doing the correct speed they are sure to be going around you at a very high rate of speed in the stupidest places like on curves and hilly roads even on double yellow lines that indicate a barrier. I see it daily even on roads like Robert C Lee where Golden Valley High School is located theres,a,certain traffic pattern to follow because its,a dead end street and the schools parking is located at the end of the Dead End. Everywhere signs are posted no stopping along the sides of the street but people still make u turns to stop along the side of the street and drop their kids…. so it inhibits traffic flow and when you have kids crossing in the middle cars trying to cross barriers and traffic to drop kids where there are no stopping signs and barriers it’s never a,good thing. Why can’t people have a bit of patient’s? We’re not driving Nascar Races on our roads slow it down a bit people.
You should live here.
Regina A. Hernandez Lorraine Avila Tish Perez Melissa Christina Nicolette Nassif Joanna Hernandez
Randon Yates this is what all the sirens were for last night. RIP ??
Passing in a NO PASSING ZONE TO. Drove past it this morning to see CHP on the scene. CHP left crash site as we passed. Only to drive down Cooper hill TEXTING! Great job CHP.
Helicopters were crazy over here last night. Sad news
Wow what an example to set for the rest of us on no texting and driving
I live up that road and I was stopped behindt he crash about 4 cars back before the ambulances and police got there and sincerely doubt it was texting. There’s zero signal in this part of the drive and several people had to head towards the near by fire facility to put in the call and others headed back the other way as well to call for help. It ‘s about 10 miles to the nearest cell signal. The area he crossed over the line has a weird bump/bend that I’ve seen people pop over the line when speeding and going very fast though.
And the road was wet from storm showers, making that area even more dangerous. :(
Never said the crash was about texting.
CHP was texting
The canyon has become a freeway for non residents. Way to much traffic now. You’ll hear of more death as the cycling community thinks their untouchable. Worst users of the canyon. They ride in a manner that forces traffic to pass into oncoming traffic. Daily commuters are fearless. Speeds in excess of 80mph. It makes life in the canyon dangerous.
Goes to show its everyone not paying attention on the roads… Officer
RIP
Sad :(. Prayers to the Arce family, and friends. Thank you for your service.,?
RIP so sorry
So very sad…
RIP sir
RIP…..
This breaks my heart. God bless his soul and surround his family with Your peace love and comfort. Amen.
RIP Deputy. Prayers to your family….
Rip heard all the sirens go by my house ?
RIP, Deputy. Thank you for your service. Prayers to the family.
Incredibly sad! ?
?RIP, too young to die
So sorry to hear the
That
God Bless and RIP.
RIP, Deputy Arce. Thank you for your service.??????
Sad
Dang that sucks.
Christy Dorian Anaya
So sad. RIP Deputy Arce.
RIP, our thoughts are with the family
RIP
So sorry.
Thoughts and prayers to his family
Levi McIndoe was the first car coming southbound to the accident. He used a car jack to break open Katelyn’s back window,to open the locked car, bcuz you could hear her screaming. He checked on deputy’s car and saw him slouched over to the right, with no vital signs. The 911 responder women who was there before him going northbound, did an excellent job of talking and encouraging Katelyn that help was on the way.
Rip
Ya lets close the canyon!? That has to be one of the most stupid things ive ever heard in my life! We should just close all the roads and let everybody ride their bikes that way there wont be any accidents. Does anybody even know if speed was a factor in this accident? And for the genius who thinks lowering the speed limit to 45mph will help things. Boo on you! That will just give officer Stevens more power to pick off commuters and write some more 400 dollar tickets with his little speed trap tactic. Lets remember an officer of the law caused this accident. (no disrespect to the deceased) They are called accidents for a reason. Ive witnessed a chp officer drive 90mph through green valley to ticket a motorist going 65 in a 55 zone. Only to reposition himself in the same little turn out to catch the next victim. Absurd, the irony, don’t you think? While I agree that there are a lot of stupid things happening on the canyon regularly, I don’t agree with these extreme knee jerk reactions. Leos curve has been notorious for violent collisions since its beginning. Im not sure why. I hope for the best for those injured in this accident and I pray that we don’t have to hear of another one for a long time. Those who know the canyon know that in the long run the canyon regulates itself. If you don’t respect it then eventually you will learn the hard way. I love the canyon because it is my home! I will try to practice what I preach and I hope others will do the same. Thanks for letting me share.
? RIP Deputy Arce, prayers to your loved ones.
Prayers for his family. RIP
Sending healing thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP
RIP. :(
RIP
Jeff Shmed
RIP deputy Arce. Prayers go out to your family.
Prayers for fast recovery for the other victim!
Erica King , so sad.
So sorry. Praying for the family
Sorry, RIP.?
Rip
The road needs a raised center divider and guard rails through out most of it. Paving the shoulder on both sides wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
RIP
RIP Too young so sad!
What’s buggin me is that they sent out choppers to get his family. Did the do the same for the girl he hit? Sorry for the loss but he caused it .
A son is suddenly gone. A young, promising and outstanding person and that’s how you comment?Unbelievable. By the way jackass, her family got taken care of as well. So get your facts straight before you say stupid things.
Praying for his family.
“R.I.P.Deputy Brandon Arce.My prayers and sincerest condolences to his family & friends.”;(+..xoxox ?
Very sad!!!!
Prayers!!!!!!!
RIP. ?
My condolences to his family. R.I.P. SIR
Praying for you and your family RIP SO young, you are with the Angels now
RIP
So tragic ?? my heart goes out to Deputy Arce’s family and friends.
R.I.P.
Thk you for your service! … Prayers for the family…
❤️
RIP
RIP
May he RIP ?
Love and peace to the family.
RIP Brandon. Your pain is no more
Thoughts and prayers to the family. May you rest in peace.
R.i.p sweet man
Prayers to his family?
Prayers to his family
My condolences to your family and friends and thank you for your service may you rip ???
My deepest condolences to his family & friends. ??
My prayers and condolences to both families, May God be with you through these moments. I have lived up in the lakes area for 35years I use San francisquito Canyon on a weekly bases, and i know the road conditions can get very dangerous, last January during one of the first rain falls my husband was on his Harley and hit some oil. He lost control of his bike and the only thing I can say is that God was watching over him. his bike was fully damaged but he didn’t suffer any major medical conditions. There are so many crosses in the canyon and it seems that every month at least one goes up. I can’t seem to grasp my mind how many times people have nearly ran over my car, even on turns where there is no visibility.Please everyone driving this canyon remember that we all commute everyday to provide a better future for our families and in that car that you are speeding by or that person that you are tailing, there sits a life that matters to someone, a father , a mother , a son, a daughter , a friend , there sits a little child in their carseat that has not even began to experience life, That Life should matter to you, please everyone drive safe.
I’m glad they are worried about the sheriff and not the girl in the other car who he almost killed wow
I’m so sad that her life could have been possibly end by this tragic event and everyone is sad for him she may never walk because of someone who wasn’t paying attention… I am truly sorry for his familY… but hers is suffering because he was irresponsible
Being at the accident site right after it happened makes you realize how valuable human life is. I can’t stop thinking about both people involved.Just leaving it all in God’s hands and praying for both families.