UPDATE: A Guam Police Department officer, Derrick Atan, has been arrested in connection with a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of 30-year-old John Carlos Daniel Yangco Haas. The arrest was announced by Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio during a press conference at GPD headquarters in Tiyan, Barrigada on December 4, 2025.
Atan faces an alarming 19 charges, including vehicular homicide, driving while impaired, and leaving the scene of an accident, following the fatal collision on November 30. Investigators determined that Atan’s orange Ford F-150 was involved in the deadly incident on Route 14, near Hornet Sports, which occurred in the early hours, resulting in Haas’s death shortly after 3:45 a.m. at Guam Memorial Hospital.
During the investigation, surveillance footage and eyewitness testimonies revealed Atan’s involvement. Initially, police only had a vague description of the vehicle, but further inquiries led officers to a separate crash involving the same model truck later that day. Atan claimed he veered off the road to avoid another vehicle, but authorities noted inconsistencies between his account and the damage to his truck.
Chief Ignacio emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “A fatal car crash, and somebody dying in a car crash, it’s a very tragic incident.” He confirmed that alcohol played a role in the incident and highlighted the importance of safe driving practices, particularly regarding speeding and impaired driving.
Atan was placed on administrative leave immediately upon the department learning of his potential involvement, with his leave expected to last for 20 days. Ignacio assured that both criminal and internal investigations would proceed simultaneously, with internal affairs having up to 90 days for their review.
The arrest follows a wave of traffic fatalities in Guam, with Haas being the 18th traffic fatality of the year. In light of this incident, Ignacio has committed to increasing police visibility and resources, including rolling out 37 new patrol cars to enhance safety on the roads.
The case is expected to move quickly to the Office of the Attorney General, with a magistrate hearing anticipated within 48 hours. As the community grapples with the impact of this tragedy, residents are urged to prioritize road safety and remain vigilant against reckless driving behaviors.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring community safety.
