Driver killed in crash during high-speed police chase in Montebello

MONTEBELLO, Calif. (KABC) -- A driver fleeing from an officer during a high-speed police chase died in a crash Tuesday night in Montebello, police said.

The chase began around 10:17 p.m. near Beverly Boulevard and Hay Street after an officer tried to pull over the driver for a traffic violation, the Montebello Police Department said.

"The vehicle immediately fled from the officer at a high rate of speed, and the officer initiated a vehicle pursuit," the police said in a statement. "The pursuit lasted less than 20 seconds and traveled for approximately one block."

The officer briefly lost track of the Toyota Camry before finding the driver was involved in a solo-vehicle crash, police said. It crashed near a tree at Ashiya Park.

Witness Robert Barajas said he saw a car speeding down Beverly Boulevard while being pursued by officers before the collision.

The fire department responded to the crash and began life-saving measures on the driver. Police said she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car sustained significant damage and was towed away from the scene early Wednesday morning.

No other details were released. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, police said.