Motorcycle crash injures local deputies
By Sari Kraft
kraftomat@aol.com

Two off-duty deputies of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department were injured Tuesday in Moorpark when a truck struck their motorcycle from behind.

At about 10:45 p.m., Dep. Daniel Vanover of Simi Valley and his passenger, Dep. Jody Keller of Moorpark, were riding eastbound on New Los Angeles Avenue just west of the 23 Freeway1.

Vanover was slowing down for a red light at the intersection of New Los Angeles Avenue and Marketplace. Javier Lopez, a 22-year-old Azusa man, was driving a commercial-tractor trailer right behind him.

The truck hit the rear of the motorcycle, ejecting both riders. Vanover and Keller were wearing helmets and other motorcyle gear.

The two were transported to Los Robles Regional Medical Center where they were treated for significant injuries. Keller underwent several surgeries, according to a member of the Moorpark Police Deptartment.

Keller was listed in fair condition and Vanover in good condition, hospital officials said.

"Their injuries do not appear to be life threatening, but they are expected to be off work for some time," said Sgt. Ron Nelson, a Sheriff’s spokesperson.

Keller, a 23-year veteran of the department, is a detective in the sexual assault unit based at the East Valley Station. Vanover is a patrol deputy also assigned to the East Valley.

Moorpark Deputy Nolan Stoyko is investigating the accident. Neither alcohol nor drugs were believed to be involved.

The initial investigation closed traffic for about two hours on New Los Angeles Avenue between Spring Road and the 23 Freeway. When Caltrans arrived, a detour was established in the westbound lanes of New Los Angeles Avenue.