Driver who hit, killed Ventura deputy narrowly missed 2 other officers

A Ventura County sheriff’s deputy was killed early Tuesday after he was struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop on the 101 Freeway, authorities said.

Deputy Eugene Kostiuchenko had just completed a traffic stop and was walking back to his vehicle on the northbound side of the freeway about 1:14 a.m. near Lewis Road when he was struck by a passing vehicle, killing him instantly, according to authorities with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver, identified as 25-year-old Kevin Hogrefe of Camarillo, narrowly missed striking two other deputies, who were at the scene assisting Kostiuchenko, 41, during the traffic stop, authorities said.

After striking Kostiuchenko, Hogrefe allegedly continued on at a high rate of speed before crashing off the roadway near Las Posas Road, officials said.

Hogrefe was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, Sheriff’s Department officials said.

“Another tragic life lost because of driving under the influence,” Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told reporters.

Kostiuchenko was an 11-year veteran who had been assigned to the Camarillo sheriff’s station. He is survived by his wife and two sons, authorities said.

“Everyone’s going to remember his sense of humor,” Sgt. Eric Buschow said. “Great guy; family man.”

The Lewis Road and Las Posas Road ramps were to remain closed as the California Highway Patrol investigated the incident, officials said.

In 2009, Hogrefe was cited for driving at an unsafe speed, according to Ventura County Superior Court records. The case was dismissed after he attended traffic school.

Staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report.

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