A teenager dies after distracted CHP officer slams into car

Officials say a Northern California teenager is dead after a California Highway Patrol officer became distracted and rear-ended another vehicle.

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that 15-year-old Weston Sites of Willows, Calif., was pronounced dead at the scene along Interstate 5 near the town of Orland.

CHP Sgt. Tony Odell told television station KCRA-TV that the officer was looking down at his computer about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

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He didn’t notice that northbound traffic was slowing until it was too late to avoid rear-ending the vehicle where Sites was riding in the back seat.

Two sisters from Willows were also in the car. They were treated at a hospital and released.

The officer was not being named as the investigation continues.

The highway was closed for about six hours.

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