URGENT UPDATE: A significant traffic disruption is anticipated on October 24, 2023, as a massive funeral procession for fallen La Mesa police Officer Lauren Craven is set to unfold. The procession, comprising over 700 vehicles, will depart from Snapdragon Stadium at approximately 7:30 a.m. and is expected to cause major delays from Mission Valley to Rancho San Diego.
The procession will include law enforcement officials and family members only, making its way onto northbound Interstate 15, then eastbound state Route 52, southbound state Route 125, and finally eastbound state Route 94. The procession will conclude at Skyline Church on Campo Road near Jamacha Boulevard, where the funeral service will begin at 10 a.m.
In light of this event, La Mesa Police Department has confirmed that access to SR-94 and SR-125 from Spring Street will be closed throughout the morning. Police Captain Katy Lynch urged motorists to seek alternate routes to avoid significant delays, stating, “Motorists in these areas should expect road closures and major traffic delays throughout the morning.”
The tragic loss of Officer Craven occurred last week when she was struck by a Toyota Camry while responding to a multi-vehicle traffic collision on Interstate 8. In a heartbreaking turn of events, another driver involved in the initial crash, 19-year-old De’Veonte Morris, also lost his life. The driver of the Toyota has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
In addition to the funeral, the community is invited to pay their respects at a candlelight vigil scheduled for October 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Police Department headquarters located at 8085 University Ave.. The vigil will feature brief remarks, a moment of silence, and the provision of candles for attendees.
Stay tuned for more updates as details on how to livestream the service will be announced shortly. This is a developing story; the community remembers a dedicated officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
