Pursuit of Suspect Vehicle Ends in Fatal Crash Involving Innocent Driver in Fontana

FONTANA, Calif., Sept. 4 (KNN) — A pursuit of a suspect vehicle ended in a fatal crash in a Fontana intersection involving an innocent driver Wednesday afternoon.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., a California Highway Patrol officer attempted a traffic stop on a white Jeep Cherokee after he observed it traveling at a high rate of speed on southbound I-15 near Sierra Avenue, according to Captain Commander Salvador Suarez with the CHP Rancho Cucamonga Area office speaking at the scene on camera.

The Jeep driver initially yielded to the right shoulder, where the officer contacted the driver. According to Suarez, it was during this encounter that the driver suddenly accelerated and fled on southbound 15.

“The officer immediately ran back to his patrol car and attempted to catch up to the Jeep,” said Suarez. The Jeep was observed by the officer exiting Summit Avenue, and the officer followed, exiting also at Summit.

The Jeep continued westbound on Beech Avenue. As the Jeep entered the intersection with Cherry Avenue, it collided with a red Mustang traveling southbound.

“Immediately following the crash, the suspect driver of the Jeep Cherokee attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by CHP personnel,” said Suarez.

Medical aid was summoned for both the suspect driver and the driver of the Mustang, according to Suarez. The driver of the red Mustang was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Jeep was transported to a local hospital, but his injuries at this time are unknown.

The CHP Rancho Cucamonga Area office is currently investigating the crash.

It was later reported that the Jeep driver managed to escape the hospital, and a search was underway for the suspect.

Marc Danielian and Anthony Reed, Video Journalists / KNN