A trust fund has been set up for Oakland motorcycle officer William L. Seuis, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Highway 580.

Seuis was in full uniform and was headed home when he was knocked off his department-issued motorcycle by the trailer of a big-rig truck at approximately 2:15 p.m. Thursday, according to police.

After the collision, the big-rig fled the scene and headed eastbound toward Interstate Highway 580, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Several witnesses stopped to assist Seuis, who was transported to Eden Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Other witnesses provided the CHP with a description of the big-rig, and the suspected driver was later apprehended near Hacienda Road in Pleasanton.

The hit-and-run driving suspect has been identified by the CHP as 37-year-old Carlos Mares of Union City. He has been arrested and booked into jail on felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter charges, according to the CHP.

Seuis is survived by his wife, 11 and 13-year-old daughters, and his parents. Oakland police said he joined the department on March 21, 1988 and served as a street-level narcotics officer, a foot-patrol officer, and a traffic-enforcement officer.

During his career, Seuis was distinguished with several awards, including the Good Conduct Bar, the Advanced P.O.S.T. Bar, and the Outstanding Performance Evaluation Bar.

He also received 33 letters of appreciation, commending him on his service to Oakland citizens, according to the Police Department.

Police Chief Richard Word praised Seuis as being "what you want in an officer, as steady as they come."

A memorial fund has been set up for Officer Seuis' family:
Merrill Lynch
1111 Broadway
Oakland, Calif., 94612
C/O Jeff Duell