Anaheim Father Struck, Killed By His Stolen Work Van: Cops

ANAHEIM, CA — Three people are under arrest in connection with a man run over and killed by his work van as he attempted to stop it from being stolen in Anaheim, police say.

Jose DeJesus Berrelleza, 33, was fatally injured Tuesday morning on Melinda Circle at Elsiena Way, Anaheim Police Sgt. Shane Carringer said.

He was the father to an 8-year-old girl, and a construction worker whose entire livelihood was in the back of his work-van, according to police.

As his van was being stolen, he grabbed hold of the vehicle, according to reports. Berrelleza fell from the stolen vehicle as it fled the scene, was run over, and killed.

Carringer described the incident, saying that Berrelleza "attempted to stop the theft of the vehicle to prevent the loss of his livelihood."

About two hours later, Anaheim police found the stolen vehicle a mile and a half away from the crime scene and detained three suspects, who were later arrested, Carringer said.

Omar Sanchez, 28, and Yesenia Escareno, 21, both of Anaheim, were booked on suspicion of murder, carjacking and receiving stolen property.

Adriana Gomez, 29, of Anaheim was booked on suspicion of being an accessory to the crime.