Each year, high-speed police crashes lead to severe injuries or even death. The problem has raised the concern of many law enforcement experts around the country, and many feel that police chases should only be limited to pursuing those who are wanted for serious felonies. Recently, a high-speed police chase in La Verne ended with two people being killed.
The Los Angeles Times reports that officers with the La Verne Police Department attempted to pull over a red Acura Integra on suspicion that the driver had run a red light at the intersection of White Avenue and Arrow Highway just before 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29th.
La Verne Police Department spokesperson, Sgt. Justin Newman said in a statement that the driver refused to pull over and sped off heading northbound on White Avenue. Police officers pursued the vehicle.
Less than one mile after the pursuit began, the Acura collided with a black Toyota Corolla near the intersection of White Avenue and College Lane. Emergency crews were called to the scene where firefighters worked to extract those who were trapped inside both vehicles.
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Both the driver of the Corolla and the driver of the Acura were transported to an area hospital where they were pronounced dead. Also taken to the hospital for treatment was a passenger from the Corolla and two additional passengers from the Acura. All three passengers are listed in critical condition.
The driver of the Toyota Corolla has been identified as Marlet Reyes, 68. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the driver of the Acura.
The crash is still under investigation by both the La Verne Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.
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