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'CHiPs' Star Bruce Penhall's 21-Year-Old Son Killed While Working On Interstate 10

BALDWIN PARK (CBS) — The son of 'CHiPs' actor and motorcycle champ Bruce Penhall was killed Wednesday night as he worked to repair a closed portion of the westbound 10 Freeway.

Connor Penhall, 21, of Corona, was struck just before midnight at Francisquito Avenue, which had been closed for about an hour.

The driver, 37-year-old Takamoto Matsuhiko of Arcadia, was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.

"When officers arrived on-scene, they noticed a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath," said CHP Officer Kerri Rivas. "They also noticed his eyes were watering and his speech was slurred."

Matsuhiko apparently drove through the closure and continued westbound on the freeway, where he struck Penhall, according to CHP officer Edmund Zorrilla.

Penhall was employed by a company that was subcontracted by Caltrans to complete repair work along Interstate 10.

Conner Penhall and his brother are known for racing motorcycles. Their father, Bruce Penhall, won two Speedway championships.

Bruce Penhall is best known for his role as Officer Bruce Nelson in the final season of CHiPs. The actor arrived at the scene to identify and say good-bye to his son.

The westbound side of the freeway reopened just before 6:30 a.m., according to KNX 1070's Jon Baird.


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