Suspected Drug Dealer Ejected From BMW While Fleeing Police

TORRANCE, CA – A man suspected of offering narcotics to customers inside a Torrance restaurant was critically injured early Wednesday morning when he was ejected from a BMW after crashing into a power pole and fire hydrant while fleeing police, authorities said.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Walnut Street around 1:30 a.m., said Torrance police Sgt. Ronald Harris. The man, in his 20s, was taken to a hospital in critical condition, Harris said.

The car the man was driving, a 1984 gray BMW, was wanted in a previous disturbance call that came from Texas Loosey's at 22252 Palos Verdes Boulevard. Officers were told that the suspect was offering narcotics to patrons inside and when officers arrived, the suspect sped away in the BMW.

Officers attempted to follow the BMW, but ultimately lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Sepulveda Boulevard and Madrona Avenue and then the crash was reported about two miles away, Harris said.

Sepulveda Boulevard between Border and Western avenues was closed in both directions.

City News Service and Patch staffer Emily Holland contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock