This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Off-duty LA sheriff's deputy slams into Starbucks, killing Iraq War veteran
Listen
1:00
Off-duty LA sheriff's deputy slams into Starbucks, killing Iraq War veteran
Off-duty LA sheriff's deputy slams into Starbucks, killing Iraq War veteran
An Iraqi war veteran was killed and two others injured at a Ventura County Starbucks Tuesday by an off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy who crashed his vehicle into the coffee shop.
The accident happened just after 7 in the evening, when off-duty Los Angeles Sheriff's Deputy Michael Cedarland of Pasadena veered 70 yards across traffic and through a parking lot before crashing his Chevy Tahoe into the Ventura Street Starbucks coffee shop in Fillmore.
Ventura County Sheriff Captain Mike Aranda says Cedarland's SUV pinned 30-year-old National Guardsman and former Marine, Sergio Mendez of Fillmore, against the front door frame of the store, causing him fatal internal injuries.
Aranda says Cedarland's SUV crossed two lanes of opposing traffic, jumped two curbs; went through the parking lot between two palm trees; into a side wall of the Starbucks and through the lobby to the front door. Aranda says Cedarland, a 7-year-veteran of the force, did not appear under the influence of alcohol and was not arrested.
"By his own admission he said that he feel asleep at the wheel," Aranda said. "That's all we have at this point unless the toxicology reports come back to say something different."
Two other Starbucks patrons also were injured. They were treated and released from the hospital.
This story has been updated.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
