3rd victim killed in 5 Fwy crash in Commerce identified

COMMERCE, Calif. (KABC) -- On Sunday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department released the identity of the third victim killed in the 5 Freeway fiery crash in Commerce.

Brian Lewandowski, 18, is one of three victims killed in the massive wreck involving a UPS truck on the northbound 5 Freeway early Saturday.

The victim is survived by his parents, Jocelyn and Victor Lewandowski, and two brothers. Brian's father is a homicide lieutenant with LASD, and the family released a statement about their loss.

The statement read: "Brian was an incredible young man and every parent's dream for a son. We are absolutely devastated by our loss. Our hearts go out to the other victims and their families, and our prayers are for the survivors' recovery. We are very thankful for the love and support of family and friends throughout this time."

The chain-reaction crash happened around midnight on the northbound 5 Freeway Saturday near the Washington Boulevard exit, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officials said a dark-colored Dodge Charger was racing a gray Dodge Challenger in the southbound lanes. When one of those cars tried to get around a slower vehicle, it slammed on the brakes and hit a UPS big rig.

The big rig lost control, went airborne and landed on the center divider, shearing off the top of a Nissan vehicle and engulfing into flames. Brian and one other passenger in the Nissan, 19-year-old Michelle Littlefield, were killed. Both were employees at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

The theme park released a statement about the two employees. The statement read: "The Six Flags Magic Mountain family was saddened to learn about two of their team members who were tragically killed in the I-5 freeway incident in Commerce, CA on February 27. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends and colleagues during this difficult time."

The driver of the UPS big rig, identified as Scott Treadway of Mira Loma, was also instantly killed.

One of the alleged street racers in the Dodge Challenger, later identified as 35-year-old Dealio Lockhart of Whittier, was arrested. The other alleged racer in the Dodge Charger fled the scene and was at large, officials said.

The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the collision was encouraged to call (323) 980-4600.