Man killed after suspect fleeing Whittier police slams into his vehicle

WHITTIER, Calif. (KABC) -- An innocent driver was killed and a Santa Fe Springs man is in custody after a police chase Monday ended with a fiery crash in Whittier.

The pursuit began around 11 a.m. when a Whittier officer came across what appeared to be a road rage incident in progress in the area of Greenleaf Avenue and Whittier Boulevard.

When the officer tried to intervene, a man described as the aggressor fled the scene.

Officers gave chase and say the suspect tried to ram at least three patrol cars in his efforts to get away.

The suspect has been identified as Kevin Vargas, 34, of Santa Fe Springs.

The pursuit quickly came to an end when the suspect in a Kia crashed into another motorist in a Ford SUV in the 7200 block of Newlin Avenue.

The Kia car burst into flames but Vargas was able to escape the vehicle. He tried to flee on foot, but was quickly caught and taken into custody.

The driver of the other vehicle was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced dead, police said. His identity has not been released.

Vargas was treated at a local hospital in stable condition and is expected to face charges.