Coroner IDs Suspect Who Died In Crash During Vallejo Police Chase

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — A driver who died while Vallejo police were chasing him Wednesday in connection with reports of two smash-and-grab thefts from cars was identified by the Solano County coroner's office Thursday as Adrian McGee, 28, of Vallejo. McGee crashed into a tree at Interstate Highway 780 and Glen Cover Road, and was pronounced deceased at the scene at 1:08 p.m., officials said.

According to Vallejo police, the first burglary was reported by a witness who called 911 at 11:18 a.m. Wednesday and said they saw someone smash a window of a car and steal something in the area of 980 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo police Sgt. Jeff Tai said.

"At approximately 12:36 [p.m.], a second caller notified the Vallejo Police Department and provided the same suspect vehicle description, a silver Honda Accord," Tai said. "Vallejo police officers responded to the area of 708 Admiral Callaghan and located the suspected vehicle involved in the smash-and-grab thefts."

Officers tried to stop the car but the suspect kept driving and a brief pursuit ensued until the pursuing officer lost sight of the Honda, Tai said.

A second officer found the car and the pursuit resumed as the suspect reportedly drove onto westbound I-780, but eventually out of view of pursuing officers, the sergeant said.

"Shortly after losing sight of the vehicle, officers located the solo vehicle, which had collided into a tree at Hwy 780 and Glen Cove," Tai said.

The officers tried to provide life-saving measures but McGee was pronounced deceased at the scene, the sergeant said.

California Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal crash.

"Any witnesses with additional information are encouraged to contact the Vallejo Police Department or the CHP Golden Gate Division," Tai said.

Editor's Note: This story has been corrected to accurately reflect the time of day the series of incidents occurred.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.