South Bay Man Killed In Crash By Suspected Car Thieves Fleeing Cop

TORRANCE, CA -- A motorist was killed in Torrance on Monday when his vehicle was slammed by a stolen car whose driver was allegedly attempting to evade police.

The driver in the stolen vehicle was later identified as Zachary Alexander of San Pedro, 22, who was booked on suspicion of vehicle theft, felony evading and murder, said Torrance police Sgt. Ronald Harris.

His passenger, 29-year-old Deborah Ornelas of San Pedro, who was still being treated at an area hospital, will be arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, Harris said.

Officers were notified a little after 1:45 a.m. of a stolen vehicle in the area of Sepulveda Boulevard and Cabrillo Avenue. The car was described as a newer-model silver Toyota Camry, he said.

Officers spotted the vehicle when it pulled into a gas station at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Maple Avenue. Shortly afterward, the Toyota fled the scene speeding northbound on Maple Avenue, at which time a pursuit began, Harris said.

The Toyota continued northbound toward the Carson Street-Maple Avenue intersection, where it struck another vehicle traveling on Carson Street, he said.

Alexander and Ornelas suffered minor injuries and were taken to an area hospital. The driver and sole occupant of the other vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics shortly before 2 a.m., Harris said.

No Torrance police officers were injured in the crash, he said.

Torrance police asked anyone who may have witnessed the pursuit or crash to call them at (310) 618-5570.

-- City News Service, photo courtesy of the Torrance Police Department