A pursuit driver wanted in connection with an armed robbery is dead following a fiery two-car crash and police shooting in La Habra.
Authorities say they were in a pursuit with one of the involved cars prior to the collision. Officers from the Fullerton Police Department tried to pull over the vehicle on Harbor Boulevard and Chapman Avenue as its plates were connected to a suspected armed robbery in San Bernardino.
But the driver refused to comply with the officers’ orders and ran off. A few minutes later, the man, who authorities believed to be wanted in San Bernardino County, crashed his car into another vehicle in La Habra.
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A witness said he first saw the man trying to flee the scene on foot then heard gunshots.
“I heard there was a crash outside. I went to go look and see what's going on outside,” described Tylor Zealger who was working at a gas station in the area. “All I can remember is hearing gun shots, and i immediately ducked to the ground.”
The pursuit driver was shot and killed by police after he got out of the crashed vehicle , according to police. A knife was recovered at the scene, police said.
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Another person, who not involved in the chase, was hospitalized. Details about that driver's condition were not immediately available.
Morning commuters in Orange County are being urged to avoid the area of Beach Boulevard and Imperial Highway.
