A high-speed pursuit in Boyle Heights ended in tragedy early Friday morning when a driver of a silver Aston Martin died after crashing into a light pole. According to KTLA, the chase began around 3:00 a.m. when California Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop the vehicle for reportedly speeding at South Soto Street and Whittier Boulevard.
Officers called off the pursuit after approximately two minutes due to the dangerous speeds, however, the Aston Martin subsequently struck a pole at the intersection of Soto Street and Washington Boulevard, as detailed by NBC Los Angeles. The driver tried to flee on foot but, was quickly detained by the officers. Following capture, the man showed signs of medical distress and, despite efforts from paramedics, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police investigators found trash bags filled with labeled packages as well as a safe inside the vehicle, raising questions concerning their contents and ownership. As reported by FOX LA, the Aston Martin had temporary plates and had been registered in Irvine, but the cause of death and whether impairment due to intoxication was a factor remains unknown.
"There was a small amount of force that was used," Highway Patrol Sgt. Dan Keene told reporters, elaborating that it was "in the form of a tackle to take the driver into custody." Keene told KTLA, "When the fire department arrived on scene, the driver started to show signs of distress and started to vomit." Authorities are waiting for a search warrant to further inspect the vehicle and are checking the vehicle's registered address.
While the incident effectively closed the intersection for hours during the investigation, CHP has yet to release further details about the driver or the progression of their inquiry into the case.
