The person who died in a violent collision in the Westchester area in March was a "male juvenile" DUI suspect who briefly led police on a pursuit that was terminated due to the motorist's speed, police said Monday.
The crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. March 28 in the area of Century and Sepulveda boulevards.
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According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers had begun to pursue a burgundy SUV with three people inside, suspecting the driver may be impaired. But "due to the SUV's high rate of speed, officers disengaged from pursuing the vehicle," police said in a statement.
A short time later, the SUV driver -- heading west on Century -- ran a red light and struck a sedan heading south on Sepulveda, police said. The SUV then slammed into a pole, killing the driver, who was described only as a "male juvenile." The suspect's name and exact age were not released.
Two passengers in the SUV -- a 19-year-old man from Los Angeles and a 22-year-old man from Hawthorne, tried to run from the scene but were quickly apprehended then taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, police said.
The driver of the sedan that was struck was also treated for minor injuries.
Anyone with information regarding the pursuit or fatal collision was urged to contact South Traffic Detective Gerald Chavarria at 213-924-3621. Calls during non-business hours or weeks should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
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