A man is dead after a car being pursued by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department crashed into his vehicle in the Green Meadows area of South Los Angeles Thursday afternoon, officials said.
The crash occurred at about 3:15 p.m., when a copper-colored four-door Kia that was being pursued by LASD units exited the westbound 105 Freeway at Central Avenue, the LASD said in an alert.
The driver of the Kia, who was operating his vehicle “recklessly” and possibly was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, hit the victim’s red-colored vehicle “at a high rate of speed” less than a minute after the pursuit began, officials said.
The victim, whose name and age have not been released, was declared dead at the scene.
Officials later clarified that multiple other cars were involved in a chain-reaction crash, though no information was made available about the conditions of the other drivers.
No information has been released as to the condition or identities of those inside the Kia, two boys ages 14 and 15 whom officials initially identified only as males, though the LASD confirmed that they were extricated from the vehicle and taken to local hospitals for treatment.
The LASD also did not say if they had been taken into custody and, if so, what charges they may face.
It is possible that one or both of the teens were involved with the Kia’s alleged theft from Compton two days ago, officials said.
“That’s just part of the tragedy with the whole thing, that we have two young teenagers involved in the activity,” said Assistant Sheriff Bruce Chase of the LASD.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the California Highway Patrol, which is investigating the incident along with the LASD, at 213-744-2331.
To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.