An innocent woman, in her 60s, was tragically killed in an Orange County multi-vehicle accident that was caused by a man attempting to escape police pursuit on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Fullerton Police Department. Investigators revealed that the pursuit began when the officers noted a man, later identified as 40-year-old Anthony Hanzel of Anaheim, indulging in theft near the intersection of North Gilbert Street and West Malvern Avenue in Fullerton. Hanzel drove off the scene in a white Nissan Rogue, which initiated the chase when officers attempted to halt his vehicle.
Reportedly, Hanzel was involved in a preliminary non-injury collision near Brookhurst Road and Orangethorpe Avenue. The chase ensued onto the westbound 91 Freeway and ceased when the suspect exited at Knott Avenue, with the officers losing track of Hanzel. The pursuit was picked up by La Palma police after spotting the fleeing driver near La Palma Avenue and Walker Street. Approximately around 12:50 p.m., Hanzel drove through a red light at the intersection of La Palma Avenue and Moody Street, smashing into a blue BMW.
Lauren Lau, a witness to the horrifying incident and whose vehicle also sustained minor damage, recalled to a photojournalist from OnScene.TV how Hanzels car came at her, causing a complete T-bone collision.
The impact severely injured the female BMW driver, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. The police have not yet disclosed the victims identity. Post-crash, Hanzel was rushed to a local hospital for medical attention. According to Fullerton police, charges including petty theft, hit-and-run, and felony evading are expected to be filed against Hanzel.
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