WHITTIER (CNS) - A road-rage incident followed by a police pursuit today led to the death of an innocent driver whose vehicle was hit by an angry motorist in a fiery crash, Whittier police said.
The collision took place about 11 a.m. in the area of Greenleaf Avenue and Whittier Boulevard.
According to police, an officer tried to stop a suspicious vehicle whose driver was engaged in an apparent road-rage incident. The driver refused to stop and a brief pursuit ensued, during which the driver allegedly tried to ram at least three patrol cars, which took evasive action to avoid a crash.
The chase ended when the driver plowed into another vehicle, setting that vehicle on fire.
The driver of the vehicle that was hit was taken to a hospital and later died from injuries, police said. The victim's age and gender were not immediately released by police. The victim's name was withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Watch the video from Pete Demetriou:Whittier Police in pursuit of driver who slams into another car at intersection of Pickering Ave and Wardman St. One car bursts into flames, driver transported in critical condition. Status of second car occupants unknown. Whittier PD and CHP now investigating. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/c1t7l4SpQR
— Pete Demetriou (@knxpete)
February 18, 2019 The driver who allegedly caused the crash was arrested and has been identified by police as 34-year-old Kevin Vargas of Santa Fe Springs. An officer told reporters at the scene that Vargas would be booked on suspicion of felony evading and assault with a deadly weapon with other charges possibly to follow.
Anyone who witnessed the crash was asked to call Whittier police at (562) 567-9299. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
The investigation at Wardman St. and Pickering Ave. has concluded at the scene and all traffic lanes have since been reopened. Thank you for your cooperation. #whittierpd pic.twitter.com/ahXjLrwelB
— Whittier Police Dept (@whittierpd)
February 18, 2019 BREAKING NEWS Whittier Police confirm police pursuit involved an officer trying to stop a road rage suspect. PIO John Scoggins says suspect tried to ram 3 PD cars before hitting SUV. Driver of SUV died at hospital. 34 year old Kevin Vargas of Santa Fe Springs arrested. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/PWY1FU3Zhv
— Pete Demetriou (@knxpete)
February 18, 2019 One person arrested, one in critical condition after a car being pursued by Whittier Police slams into a compact SUV. Person in Kia sedan arrested,SUV driver hospitalized. Whittier PD and CHP investigation ongoing. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/Qj96qIL8ZF
— Pete Demetriou (@knxpete)
February 18, 2019
