Governor reacts to CHP officer's death

Flags at half-mast

By Emmett Berg, Bay City News Service

August 6, 2006

The California Highway Patrol continues to search for a hit-and-run suspect vehicle, possibly a red or tan Buick with front-end damage, that was involved in a collision Saturday night in Oakland that killed Officer Brent Clearman.

Meanwhile, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was among those lamenting the loss of Clearman, who died today from wounds suffered in the accident on Interstate Highway 880.

"Californians owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who put themselves in constant danger to keep us safe," Schwarzenegger said in a statement released this afternoon.

"Officer Clearman exemplified that commitment and courageously made the ultimate sacrifice. Our hearts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time."

Clearman was 33 years old and is survived by his wife Cathy Jo.

Flags at the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in his honor.

CHP Officer Trent Cross said that that Clearman was hit near northbound Interstate Highway 880 at 66th Avenue. He was apparently responding to "some type of earlier collision'' that was reported around 10:10 p.m., the CHP reports.

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