For the second time in just over a month, a bystander is dead following a police chase in Vallejo, California. In both instances, police failed to capture the suspect. The latest victim was a 76-year-old man who was standing between two parked cars at the time of the crash.
Vallejo police attempted to pull over a red Ford Fusion around 2:30 p.m. near Sonoma Blvd. and Carolina St. The car sped away down Carolina and only made it a few blocks before crashing into multiple cars on Santa Clara Street. In the process, it crushed a 76-year-old man between two cars.
Other bystanders desperately tried to free the man who was later taken to the hospital but died of his injuries. Police say that they found a gun in the vehicle but that the suspect got away on foot.
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Another similar incident occurred in late August. That’s when police chased a white Toyota Avalon during rush hour that later hit multiple cars. The driver of one of those cars was pronounced dead at the scene. As mentioned above, the fleeing driver escaped the Vallejo police that time too according to witnesses.
Both of the incidents highlight the worst possible outcome of high-speed chases. They can cause accidents just like each of these where the suspects may not have driven so recklessly otherwise. That’s precisely why some departments have strict rules about when they can and cannot chase suspects.
According to the Vallejo Sun, there was another incident last Friday involving another bystander injury that took place during a pursuit. Thankfully, in that case, the woman injured survived her encounter with a fleeing suspect.
Nobody is saying that police shouldn’t pursue suspects but the methods they use are certainly worthy of scrutiny. Police are hoping that someone in the area can help them do their job by identifying the person in the Ford. Those with information can call 707-648-4329.