Just before 8 a.m. today, Orange County Sheriff deputies attempted a traffic stop on a stolen U-Haul and the driver did not stop, according to San Clemente Police Services.
Deputies pursued a short time before the U-Haul collided with a vehicle near S. Ola Vista and Granada in San Clemente.
The driver and passenger of the U-Haul fled. The other vehicle had multiple passengers, one of whom is deceased, additional passengers transported to the hospital.
Deputies have sincelocated two suspects matching the description of the U-Haul driver and passenger.
The investigation is ongoing; Sheriff’s personnel will remain in the area. All the suspects are in custody.
Road Closures: The area of Ola Vista and Avenida Granada was closed. Please avoid the area. The OCSD appreciates your patience as the investigation continues.
Expected and Preliminary Charges
Based on the details provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the following charges are typical for these circumstances:
- Vehicular Manslaughter / Murder: Because the pursuit resulted in a fatality, the driver could face vehicular manslaughter or potentially “Watson Murder” (second-degree murder) if they were driving with “implied malice” or under the influence.
- Felony Evading Peace Officer Causing Death/Injury: A primary charge when a pursuit leads to a fatal collision.
- Vehicle Theft / Possession of a Stolen Vehicle: Both suspects were in a U-Haul reported as stolen.
- Hit and Run: Reports indicate both the driver and passenger fled the scene of the crash on foot before being captured.
- Resisting Arrest: For fleeing from deputies after the collision.
Incident Summary
- Time & Location: The pursuit began just before 8 a.m. and ended at the intersection of South Ola Vista and Avenida Granada in San Clemente.
- Victims: One passenger in the vehicle struck by the U-Haul was pronounced deceased; at least two other passengers were transported to local hospitals with injuries.
- Current Status: Both the driver and the passenger of the U-Haul are in custody. Investigators from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are currently processing the scene and determining the full scope of charges.