CHP Officer Killed In Motorcycle Vs. Auto Accident
San Martin, CA, (Tuesday September 19th, 2017) Off duty CHP officer James Branik, 44 of Morgan Hill, was fatally stuck while riding his motorcycle on his way to work early Tuesday morning.
The accident occurred at around 5:50am in the morning on the Monterey Highway near Chester Avenue in San Martin. Mr. Branik was riding southbound on his 2005 Suzuki motorcycle, when the driver of a Chevy pickup headed northbound made a left turn in front of Branik’s path.
According to the CHP, Branik hit the right front side of the pick up truck and sustained life-threating injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Driver of the pick up truck was identified as a 47- year old Gilroy resident. After the collision, the driver did stop and wait on the scene for officers to arrive. CHP is still investigating the accident, and noted that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the accident.
We offer our condolences to Mr.Branik’s family, colleagues, and friends.
Anyone with information about the collision can contact Officer Sean Nicholas at the Hollister-Gilroy CHP office at 408-848-2342
