high-speed pursuit in Orange County ended with a crash and a police shooting, leaving one suspect dead. Gigi Gracia is live in Santa Ana with more on how this all unfolded last night.
The driver refused to stop, sparking the pursuit. This all began in Anaheim around 7:45 last night when police responded to a “man down” call in a motel parking lot. The victim managed to describe the suspects and their white Chevy pickup before being rushed to surgery.
Police spotted the truck and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled, initiating a 45-minute chase through Orange County streets and freeways – even crossing into LA County before returning. Officers attempted multiple PIT maneuvers, with the suspect at times driving the wrong way and sideswiping other vehicles.
The pursuit ended here in Santa Ana with a final PIT maneuver that sent the truck crashing into a wall and then the center divider. Despite the crash, the driver continued revving the engine, producing thick white smoke, in what appeared to be another escape attempt.
What happened next remains under investigation, but it resulted in at least one Anaheim police officer opening fire, fatally striking the driver. A passenger exited the vehicle unharmed and was detained for questioning but later released, as he’s not considered a suspect in the original shooting.
Back at the Anaheim motel, detectives continue working to determine any connection between the shooting victim and suspect. Meanwhile, Memory Lane remains closed as the Santa Ana Police Department and California DOJ investigators process the scene.
Source: raialkhalij + aljazeera