A high-speed pursuit that began in Amador County ended in tragedy when a reportedly stolen car collided with another vehicle on Jackson Road in Sacramento County, resulting in the death of the car's driver, and injuries to both the passenger and occupants of the other vehicle.
The chase started on Monday evening when a California Highway Patrol officer attempted to stop a red Hyundai observed speeding. According to KCRA, "The driver failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued." The pursuit led the Hyundai northbound on Highway 49, before veering west on Highway 16, and culminating in a catastrophic collision at the intersection of Murieta Parkway. Following the collision, the car was engulfed in flames, from which the driver and passenger were extracted by CHP officers before being transported to the hospital with major injuries, the man later succumbed to his injuries.
The occupants of the second vehicle involved, a Rivian SUV, were also injured in the crash. According to The Sacramento Bee, "three adults were inside the other vehicle and had minor to moderate injuries." Trent Senter, a CHP officer for the East Sacramento office, stated that it seems, "the front end of the Hyundai struck the driver’s side of Rivian SUV."
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District responded to the scene around 8:15 p.m. Monday, where emergency crews attended to the blaze and the injured parties. As for the Hyundai, it was later confirmed by CHP to be stolen. "Two people were found inside the vehicle pursued by police, which CHP later confirmed was stolen," reported by KCRA. The identities of those involved have not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether alcohol or drugs were factors contributing to the cause of the crash.
