SAPD police officers chase a homicide suspect who ends up crashing in Anaheim

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org

Homicide Investigation Leads to Pursuit and Fiery Crash

TUSTIN, Calif. – (November 4, 2014) – On Monday, November 3, 2014 at approximately 7:00 p.m., Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the 18400 block of Warren Avenue for a report of a shooting.  Deputies arrived and discovered a female adult, suffering from a gunshot wound.  The female victim was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased.  Homicide investigators responded and initiated an investigation of the incident.

During the preliminary stages of the homicide investigation, information was learned involving a white SUV vehicle that may have been related to the shooting.  Information about the vehicle, license plate and connection to the homicide, was provided to neighboring law enforcement agencies.  The Santa Ana Police Department located and attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle.  The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit ensued, terminating with a single vehicle collision with a wall on North Rio Vista Street at East Frontera Street in the city of Anaheim. The vehicle erupted into flames on impact with the wall, killing the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle.  

At this stage in the investigation, the identity of the deceased is pending confirmation and next of kin notification.  Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses in attempt to establish what led to the shooting and identify the relationship between the two deceased subjects.

During the course of the investigation, homicide investigators obtained information that led to the search and recovery of a handgun at a residence in the city of Anaheim.  The weapon recovered is believed to have been used in the homicide.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000.  Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

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NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org

Homicide Being Investigated as Murder-Suicide

TUSTIN, Calif. – (November 4, 2014) – On Monday, November 3, 2014 Orange County Sheriff’s Department homicide investigators initiated an investigation following a shooting that occurred at a residence in the 18400 block of Warren Avenue. The victim, Lahoma Ballester, 55, Tustin, was discovered near the front of the residence with a gunshot wound. Ballester was later pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital.

During the course of the investigation, the Santa Ana Police Department initiated a pursuit of a white SUV vehicle believed to be related to the investigation. The pursuit terminated in the city of Anaheim with a fiery crash, killing the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Investigators believe the collision with the wall was intentional as the driver accelerated and failed to brake immediately prior to impact. The Coroner Division has yet to confirm the identity of the deceased driver; however, it is believed the driver is the suspect in the murder of Ballester.

The suspect is known to Ballester, having had a previous relationship and child in common with her daughter.

Investigators have yet to determine a motive for the murder-suicide but continue to interview witnesses and obtain information regarding the incident.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org

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