1 killed, several others injured in rollover crash at end of police chase in Buena Park

BUENA PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- A driver who was being chased by police died after a violent two-vehicle rollover crash in Buena Park, which left several others injured.

The crash happened around 11:45 p.m. Monday on La Palma and Knott avenues, the impact of which left a field of debris across the intersection.

According to authorities, the driver behind the wheel of a suspected stolen black Mercedes led officers on a brief pursuit that started near Beach Boulevard and La Palma Avenue. The suspect drove for about half a mile before colliding into a white Mercedes outside a car wash.

The impact of the crash ripped out the engine of the white Mercedes, leaving it some 30 yards away from the rest of the car. The two adults and two children who were inside that car were all taken to the hospital.

The 24-year-old driver of the pursuit vehicle died at the scene. A passenger in that car was also taken to the hospital.

Another victim was an innocent bystander with a bicycle, which could be seen by the black Mercedes. That person was taken to the hospital with injuries.

The conditions of those in the hospital are unknown.

No officers were injured.

Workers at the car wash say this time of year is typically busy before the holidays and estimate thousands of dollars in lost sales and damage.

"Signage and landscaping is probably upwards of $5-10,000, plus the loss of the day with the customers," said Jeremy Clifton with the Wildwater Express Car Wash.

People who live in the area say the intersection is typically pretty busy.

"I've been here for 35 years in Buena Park ... very seldom is there any kind of a traffic accident like this," said Rick Loya.

The car wash will remain closed until the investigation is complete.