DUI suspect charged with murder in crash that killed Ventura deputy

CAMARILLO, Calif. (KABC) -- A Camarillo man has been charged with murder in the death of a Ventura County deputy who was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop.

Kevin Hogrefe is accused of hitting Deputy Eugene Kostiuchenko, 41, with his vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol early Tuesday morning.

Officials say Kostiuchenko had pulled over a driver on a routine traffic stop on the northbound 101 Freeway at Lewis Road around 1:15 a.m. After that driver was released, investigators say Kostiuchenko was walking back to his patrol vehicle when he was side-swiped by another car.

The driver sped off heading north on the 101 Freeway but eventually crashed his small sedan near Las Posas Road.

The District Attorney's Office says Hogrefe, 25, is also charged with felony hit-and-run. He is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday Prosecutors are expected to asked that bail be increased to $500,000.

Kostiuchenko was an 11-year veteran with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. He was assigned to patrol Camarillo but also worked assignments in the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services and in Detention Services during his career. He was known for his sense of humor and his work ethic. Kostiuchenko leaves behind his wife and two stepchildren.