UPDATE: A Guam Police Department officer, Derrick Atan, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including vehicular homicide, following a fatal hit-and-run incident that took place in Tamuning on November 30, 2025. This shocking development was confirmed during a press conference held by GPD Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio at the department’s headquarters in Tiyan, Barrigada.
The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. when John Carlos Daniel Yangco Haas, a 30-year-old bicyclist, was struck on Route 14. Haas was transported to the Guam Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Chief Ignacio revealed that investigators linked Atan’s orange Ford F-150 pickup truck to the collision after reviewing surveillance footage and collecting eyewitness accounts.
Atan, who was off-duty at the time, was involved in a separate crash later that day, which raised suspicions among responding officers. The truck matched the description broadcasted in a “be on the lookout” alert, prompting further investigation. “The investigating officer noted inconsistencies between the scene of the alleged crash and the damages noted to the vehicle Atan was operating,” Ignacio stated.
By 4 p.m. on the day of the incident, Atan was called in for questioning and had his vehicle impounded. Investigators discovered that the damage to Atan’s truck did not align with his explanation of hitting a utility pole, leading to further inquiry. As the investigation unfolded, authorities also uncovered an unregistered firearm in Atan’s possession.
Atan now faces an alarming total of 19 charges, which include:
– Vehicular homicide while driving impaired
– Leaving the scene with injuries
– Falsifying evidence
– Negligent homicide
– Reckless driving
– Possession of a non-registered firearm
Chief Ignacio confirmed that alcohol was a factor in the fatal crash. In light of these serious allegations, Atan has been placed on administrative leave, a decision made immediately after the officer’s involvement was flagged. Ignacio emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “A fatal car crash, and somebody dying in a car crash, it’s a very tragic incident.”
The police chief added that the department’s internal affairs investigation will run concurrently with the criminal proceedings, which are moving swiftly to the Office of the Attorney General. “We’ll be closing off the case soon and then forwarding it up to the AG’s,” Ignacio promised, indicating that a magistrate hearing is expected within 48 hours.
This incident marks Guam’s 18th traffic fatality of the year, raising urgent concerns about road safety. Ignacio urged the public to adhere to traffic laws, stating, “Speeding and alcohol continue to be primary factors in fatal car crashes.” He emphasized the need for increased awareness around driving safety, including wearing seat belts and not drinking and driving.
Atan was booked at 1:56 p.m. on the day of the announcement, and while his administrative leave is expected to last for 20 days, ongoing court proceedings may affect his future with the department.
This developing story highlights the critical intersection of law enforcement accountability and public safety, a theme echoed by Ignacio, who reassured the community of enhanced patrol visibility: “We have a lot more officers on patrol because we have a lot more cars for patrol,” referring to the recent addition of 37 new patrol vehicles.
As this investigation continues to unfold, the community and authorities alike await further updates on the case, emphasizing the need for justice and safety in Guam’s roadways.
