Sheriff opens internal investigation after freeway crash involving deputy

An Alameda County sheriff's deputy — who was driving a county-owned vehicle at the time — is suspected in a DUI-related crash earlier this month in Livermore, officials confirmed.

Authorities identified the deputy as Michael Ziller, who allegedly crashed a Sheriff's Office truck after leaving a Nov. 10 memorial for a colleague in Livermore.

Sheriff Gregory Ahern has ordered an internal investigation of the deputy, while the California Highway Patrol investigates the collision and whether the deputy was driving under the influence of alcohol.

The 10-year Sheriff's Office veteran was on medical leave Monday while recovering from his injuries, according to Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Ray Kelly. It was not immediately clear if he would be disciplined as a result of the crash.

According to Kelly, the crash happened in a utility vehicle, owned by the county, that was used for a funeral reception at Livermore's Martinelli Event Center. The reception was for a Sheriff's Office employee who died unexpectedly.

The deputy was finished with his normal job duties about 5 p.m. that day, Kelly said, but driving a countyowned vehicle is considered duty work. The crash happened about 6:30 p.m. on Interstate 580 near Livermore, according to Kelly. No other details were available.

Kelly said the deputy was cited, released and treated for some moderate injuries. No arrests were made. The CHP is awaiting tests taken at the scene to determine more, Kelly said. Messages left with the CHP were not immediately returned Monday.