Thursday evening, authorities announced that a man was killed following a high-speed pursuit that went through multiple Orange County communities before concluding in a fiery crash and suicide in Costa Mesa.
A Garden Grove Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop of a brown pickup vehicle at approximately 4:25 p.m. in the vicinity of Harbor Boulevard and Westminster Avenue, as stated in a GGPD news release.
Initially, it appeared that the pickup’s driver was about to turn over; however, an unexpected acceleration occurred, and the police were forced to pursue.
“As the pursuit traversed numerous cities, law enforcement officers observed that the driver was equipped with a firearm,” the statement continued. “Officials ultimately ceased their pursuit when the suspect’s reckless driving posed a threat to the safety of the public.”
From a police helicopter, authorities continued to monitor the suspect’s vehicle.
At the intersection of Victoria Street and Placentia Avenue, the motorist was involved in a collision with another vehicle.
The number of occupants in the vehicle the suspect collided with and whether or not anyone else was injured were not disclosed by the authorities.
The release stated, “Responding officers heard gunshots and located the vehicle near the intersection.” “Because the suspect vehicle was obstructed by the citizen’s vehicle with which it collided, the tires continued to rotate while the vehicle remained in drive.”
The tires allegedly ignited a fire, and the vehicle was engulfed in flames, as reported by the police.
Authorities stated, “Once the fire was extinguished by the Costa Mesa Fire Department, it was discovered that the male driver had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a firearm was discovered in the vehicle.”
The man’s identity has yet to be disclosed.
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