The SAPD arrested a hit and run street racer for vehicular manslaughter

On Saturday, April 20, 2019 the Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) initiated an investigation of a double fatality traffic collision that occurred in the 3200 block of S. Bear Street between Alton and Sergerstrom Avenues.

Over the last year, the CIU was able to determine from their in-depth investigation that the two victims, Richard Inda and Jerman Marquez, died after their vehicle struck a tree and burst into flames while engaged in a street race with another vehicle.

From their investigation, the CIU was able to identify the other involved vehicle and its driver.

In early April 2020, the entire investigation was presented to the Orange County District Attorney’s Vehicular Homicide Unit for review.

Upon review, the District Attorney’s Office filed the case and issued a warrant for the other involved driver.

The warrant was issued for two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence and one count of Hit & Run Causing Injury having a bail of $100,000.00.

Today the CIU arrested Damian Chavez of Bellflower at his residence and booked him into the Santa Ana City Jail on the outstanding arrest warrant. The Santa Ana Police Department’s CIU would like to thank the Vehicular Homicide Unit of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance and cooperation with this investigation.