Authorities continue to investigate a law enforcement pursuit in San Jose early Friday morning which ended with the driver of a stolen SUV dead and an innocent motorist injured.
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A Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Sergeant at approximately 1:11 a.m. located a stolen vehicle, a 2014 Honda CRV which was involved in a recent carjacking, in the area of North 1st Street and Younger Avenue, according to press releases from both the sheriff's office and San Jose police. The stolen vehicle was occupied by an adult male driver and three other passengers.
The driver of the Honda did not yield to the patrol vehicle, prompting a brief pursuit southbound down 1st Street. The chase culminated with the vehicle running a red light at the intersection of 1st Street and the Montague Expressway, resulting in a collision with a bystander 2022 Toyota Camry traveling westbound with a green light. The stolen Honda ended up mangled against a tree while the Camry was left with its hood torn off. Debris was scattered throughout the roadway.
The stolen vehicle's driver suffered major injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, and pronounced deceased. His identity has not been released.
The three other passengers in the stolen vehicle, one adult male and two female adolescents, and the driver of the bystander vehicle, an adult male, alll sustained minor, non-life threatening injuries and were treated at a local hospital.
Frank Demaulo, who drove by the crash scene on his way to work, wondered why deputies decided to pursue the stolen SUV.
"I just think that people need to be a little more safe. But I mean when people steal a car, they’re going to try to outrun the cop right?" he told KCBS Radio.
"Sometimes I hear the police sergeant usually lets them go because things like this can happen."
The incident resulted in San Jose's 27th fatal collision and 29th traffic death of 2022.
A spokesperson for the sheriff's department was not available for comment, except to say that San Jose Police are investigating the fatal collision and their office is conducting a criminal investigation.
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