A motorcycle theft suspect who crashed during an SAPD pursuit has died

SANTA ANA, Ca. (Jan. 15, 2024) – On Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, aninmate slated to be housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana died at a local hospital.

The 34-year-old male was hospitalized on Jan. 9 due to injuries sustained in a traffic collision following a pursuit with the Santa Ana Police Department as we reported here.

Santa Ana Police Officers initiated the vehicle stop on the male suspect who was believed to be in possession of a stolen motorcycle. He was arrested by Santa Ana PD and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The male inmate received a bedside arraignment on Jan. 11; afterwards, the Sheriff’s Department took over custody of the inmate at the hospital. The inmate’s name is being withheld pending notification to next of kin.

The inmate was pronounced deceased at the hospital due to the injuries he sustained in the traffic collision.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an in-custody death review. No additional information will be released at this time.

SAPD police officers tried to stop the suspect while he was in a vehicle at Centennial Park. The pursuit ended at around 1:30 p.m. when the suspect crashed into a car on the 900 block of West Edinger Avenue, near Flower Street, according to the SAPD.

Both the male suspect and his female passenger were injured by the crash, as was the other driver, who was inside the car when the collision occurred. The driver was treated at the scene by OCFA personnel according to the SAPD.

The death is considered an in-custody death and will be investigated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The Sheriff’s Department will also review the death.