San Bernardino

Man Killed in Fatal Car Crash With Driver Being Chased by Police

An early morning high-speed pursuit ended in San Bernardino when the driver of the stolen car T-boned another car, killing an innocent driver, police said.

The pursuit began about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday when officers attempted to stop a 2015 Nissan Sentra that had been reported stolen a day earlier, according to the San Bernardino Police Department.

The driver, with one passenger aboard, led police on a short chase through surface street and eventually onto the 215 Freeway.

The driver exited the freeway on 5th Street. When he tried to re-enter the freeway, he ran a red light and T-boned a 1990 Honda, killing the driver, police said.

The victim was a man in his mid to late 30s, who police believe may have been heading home from work.

The driver and passenger, identified as 18-year-old Damian Antonio Garcia and 21-year-old Ricardo Cerda, respectively, said they were in pain and were taken to the hospital. Police said Garcia appeared to be under the influence.

Police said they will be booked charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and felony evading, and a yet-to-be-determined charge in connection with the death of the driver.

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Officials said a fatal crash like this is the worst possible outcome.

"We have to strike a balance," said San Bernardino Police spokesman Rich Lawhead. "We want to get the victims property back, we want to stop the criminal, but we don't want innocent lives lost in the process."

Lawhead also mentioned that he had spoken with the lead officer on the chase, and says he's deeply affected by the tragic outcome. The officer has been with the department a few years.

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