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19h ago

Vigil and Memorial Procession Set for La Mesa Officer Killed on I‑8 as Suspect Posts Bail

A 700-vehicle procession to Skyline Church is expected to trigger major road closures Tuesday morning.

Flowers at the main entrance to the La Mesa Police Department on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 in La Mesa, CA. La Mesa police Officer Lauren Craven, 25, came upon the crash and stopped to help the motorists. While she was taking the report of the initial accident, another car driving eastbound on I-8 struck the officer, CHP officials said. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Overview

  • Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was fatally struck while rendering aid at a five-vehicle crash on eastbound I‑8 near Fairmount/Waring Road; 19-year-old De’Veonte Morris also died.
  • Suspect Antonio Alcantar, 38, was booked on two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter and three DUI-related counts, posted $110,000 bail, and is due in court Oct. 30.
  • A public candlelight vigil is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at La Mesa Police Department, with candles provided and brief remarks planned.
  • The memorial service will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Skyline Church, with a law-enforcement-only procession expected to start at Snapdragon Stadium and cause significant traffic delays.
  • Fundraising efforts include PORAC’s Fund A Hero campaign surpassing $34,000 toward a $75,000 goal and a La Mesa Police Officers’ Association drive reporting about $26,091 raised.