California Highway Patrol, California
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 21, 1985
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: 11289
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: August 7, 1985
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Arrested
Officer Dean Esquibel was killed in an automobile accident while providing backup during a high speed pursuit on State Route 198.
While the two cruisers attempted to pass several vehicles one the vehicles suddenly applied the brakes, causing a chain reaction collision which knocked Officer Esquibel's cruiser into nearby construction equipment. Another officer and a truck driver were able to free him from the wreckage but he succumbed to his injuries two weeks later.
The motorcycle driver they were chasing was apprehended and charged with felony hit-and-run, resisting arrest, evading a police officer, and driving on a suspended license.
Officer Esquibel had served with the California Highway Patrol for one year.