CHP Officer Held in Murder of Student Is Drawing Salary Again
SAN DIEGO — California Highway Patrol Officer Craig Alan Peyer, who was suspended without pay after his arrest in the murder of a San Diego State University student, is drawing his $33,000-a-year salary again and has received back pay for the 15 days that he was suspended, CHP officials said.
Peyer, a 13-year CHP veteran, was arrested Jan. 15 and charged with strangling Cara Evelyn Knott, 20, after pulling over the car she was driving the night of Dec. 27 on Interstate 15. Peyer, 36, is being held in lieu of $1-million bail.
CHP Assistant Chief Edward Gomez said Wednesday that state law requires the reinstatement of an employee who is not terminated within 15 days after suspension.
“We are conducting our own internal investigation. . . . We might terminate his employment with the CHP if the investigation determines that he could be terminated for cause. But . . . the internal affairs people are still working on it,†CHP spokesman Steve Kohler said.
Peyer will return to Municipal Court here Tuesday for a bail review hearing and for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 24.
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