The driver of a stolen car being pursued by a California Highway Patrol officer who died in the chase has been booked on suspicion of murder.
The CHP said in a statement Saturday that 20-year-old Richard Perez III of Redlands also was booked for felony evading a police officer, driving under the influence and other charges.
CHP motorcycle officer Tom Coleman died Friday after chasing a car containing four people. Authorities said the pursuit began after the motorist committed a traffic violation and failed to yield to the officer. The suspect's vehicle made it through the intersection, but the officer collided with a tractor-trailer.
Firefighters responding to the crash draped a U.S. flag over the officer's body. Coleman is survived by his wife and two children.
The other three occupants of the car were booked on suspicion of a range of offenses, including auto theft.
The San Bernardino County district attorney will determine the final charges.
