On December 18, 2024, at approximately 12:38 PM, a police detective observed a male adult committing a theft in the area of N. Gilbert St. and W. Malvern Ave., according to the Fullerton Police Department.
The suspect entered a white Nissan Rogue and left the scene. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. The suspect fled, initiating a pursuit. While fleeing from officers, the suspect vehicle was involved in a non-injury hit-and-run collision near Brookhurst Rd and Orangethorpe Ave.
The police officers continued to pursue the suspect onto the 91 freeway westbound. The suspect vehicle exited Knott Ave, where Fullerton PD officers lost sight of the vehicle, ending their involvement in the pursuit.
Buena Park Police Officers briefly located the suspect vehicle; however, it continued to flee, and they lost sight of it as well. La Palma Police Officers located the suspect vehicle in the area of La Palma Ave. and Walker St. and continued with the pursuit. The suspect vehicle crashed into an uninvolved blue BMW in the area of La Palma Ave. and Moody St., disabling the suspect vehicle and ending the pursuit.
The driver of the blue BMW, a female in her 60s, suffered significant injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will investigate the fatal traffic collision, which could result in additional charges.
The driver of the suspect vehicle, later identified as Anthony Hanzal, a 43-year-old resident of Anaheim, was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained in the collision. Hanzel will be booked on various charges at the Fullerton City Jail, including petty theft, hit-and-run, and felony evading.
