Fleeing Driver Kills Three, Injures One in Lynwood Multi-Vehicle Crash
LYNWOOD (February 6, 2023) – A violent multi-car crash in Lynwood killed three people and injured one other on Sunday, just after 2 a.m. According to reports from KTLA, the early morning accident was caused by a driver fleeing police after allegedly stealing a catalytic converter.
The accident occurred at the intersection of State Street and Tweedy Blvd. following a police pursuit that started in South Gate. Investigators told CBS News the accident was caused by two cars colliding while traveling at high rates of speed. News footage taken at the scene shows that at least four vehicles, including a number of parked cars, sustained significant damage in the crash, with car parts and debris strewn across the road.
Following the fatal multi-vehicle crash, State Street had to be closed for several hours as police investigated the accident and crews cleared the wreckage. Two people, a husband and wife from Compton returning from a quinceañera, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third victim, a 20-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the hospital. A fourth person was injured and transported to the hospital.
Los Angeles Police Pursuit Ends in Horrific Fatal Crash
Authorities told CBS News that the incident began when South Gate Police witnessed two individuals tampering with a vehicle in South Gate and determined it to be a catalytic converter theft in progress. When the individuals saw police, they reportedly jumped into a nearby Tesla and drove off.
Police initially pursued the vehicle with their sirens and lights activated but backed off as the pursuit became progressively more dangerous. The suspect vehicle, according to the police, was traveling at a high rate of speed just moments before the collision occurred. One occupant of the suspect vehicle was among those killed in the crash.
It is unclear how much time elapsed between police calling off the chase and the crash.
Family and Friends in Mourning Over Tragic Lynwood Car Accident
By Sunday evening, a memorial to the accident victims appeared at the intersection where the fatal collision had occurred, according to ABC 7. Friends and family gathered for an emotional vigil with candles to mourn the deaths of their loved ones
Anyone with information about the fatal multi-vehicle crash should contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which took over the investigation from South Gate Police because the incident crossed from South Gate into the city of Lynwood.
