South Bay Man Killed In Crash By Suspected Car Thieves Running From Cops ID'd

TORRANCE, CA -- Authorities Wednesday identified a motorist who was killed in Torrance when his vehicle was struck by a stolen car whose driver was allegedly attempting to evade police.

Chunlei Wang, 56, of Torrance died at the scene of his injury, which occurred shortly before 2 a.m. Monday, according to the coroner's office.

Zachary Alexander, 22, of San Pedro 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, was taken to a hospital for treatment, and was facing possible prosecution for vehicle theft, Harris said.

About 1:45 a.m. Monday, officers were notified that a silver Toyota Camry had been reported stolen car in the area of Sepulveda Boulevard and Cabrillo Avenue, according to police.

Officers spotted the car when it pulled into a gas station at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Maple Avenue. Shortly afterward, the driver sped off in the Toyota 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, Harris 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, 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