Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station officials are investigating a crash Thursday night that killed an off-duty sergeant for the Homicide Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who lived in Saugus.
Sheriff Robert Luna issued a statement Friday morning in response to the death of Sgt. Jason Viger, who crashed his Chevy Nova at 10:50 p.m. on Valencia Boulevard, near the intersection of McBean Parkway.
The crash also left an unidentified adult female passenger with injuries. Fire officials confirmed one patient was taken to the hospital from the scene of the crash.
Sheriff’s Station officials have refused to release any information regarding the circumstances of the crash, citing that it’s an ongoing investigation.
The car was initially reported as a single-vehicle crash, according to Fire Department officials.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the tragic death of one of our valued Department members, Homicide Bureau Sgt. Jason Viger, who was tragically killed in an off-duty single vehicle traffic collision on Aug. 1, 2024, at approximately 11 p.m. at McBean Parkway and Valencia Boulevard,” reads the statement on behalf of the department. “Our condolences and prayers are with Jason’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”
Prior to his work with the Homicide Bureau, Viger was a Narcotics Bureau detective. In that role, he was the first leader for the North County Team of the Opioid Overdose Response Task Force formed in response to the fentanyl epidemic.
No information was being released regarding any vehicles that might have been involved, any factors that might have led to the crash or any information regarding potential injuries.
Los Angeles County Fire Department officials reported deputies called for medical personnel to a crash site near the intersection of Valencia McBean Parkway at 10:52 p.m., and they were on scene a minute later, according to Luis Garcia of the Fire Department.
He said the incident was reported to the department as a solo-vehicle crash.
A witness reported to The Signal that Viger’s vintage Chevy Nova left the mall parking lot heading west on Valencia when he heard the driver stepping on the gas, going approximately 40 to 45 mph, and the vehicle crossed the center median over to oncoming traffic and struck a tree.
Viger joined the department in 2008 and held positions at North County Correctional Facility, Palmdale Station, Lancaster Station, Narcotics Bureau and, most recently, Homicide Bureau, according to the department’s statement.
“Jason took immense pride in being the first sergeant to be a part of the Sheriff’s Overdose Response Task Force,” the statement noted. “Jason was recognized by the Department with commendations for working the Skirball Fire and for his patrol work by taking guns off the streets.”
Viger is survived by his parents, and loved ones, including four children, and three siblings, one of which is a sergeant in the Sheriff’s Department.
