A high-speed chase that began in Pasadena ended in tragedy in South Pasadena early Friday, when a stolen Dodge Charger overturned and crashed into a residential garage, killing the driver.
Speeding Car Crashes into South Pasadena Home
The incident occurred around 5:05 a.m. in the 300 block of Orange Grove Avenue, south of Columbia Street, according to the South Pasadena Police Department. The vehicle overturned and came to rest on its top, partially inside a detached garage. A portion of the home sustained heavy damage.
South Pasadena police and fire units responded immediately, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released pending family notification. No other injuries were reported.
Pasadena Police Pursuit
Minutes earlier, Pasadena police officers had attempted to stop the car — a gray 2020 Dodge Charger identified as stolen through a Flock Safety alert near Orange Grove Boulevard and Green Street.
According to reports, Pasadena Police Lt. Matt Campeau said the driver, described as a 20-year-old Hispanic man, sped away when officers prepared to make a traffic stop. A pursuit ensued, heading south on Grand Avenue, east on Ellis Street, and south again on Orange Grove Boulevard.
The chase was terminated near California Boulevard when officers determined the suspect’s reckless speeds made continuing unsafe. The crash in South Pasadena followed shortly afterward.
Street Closures & Investigation
As of 11:39 a.m., Orange Grove Avenue remains closed between Columbia Street and the 110 Freeway off-ramp while South Pasadena detectives conduct an on-scene investigation and crash reconstruction. Officials have not provided an estimated reopening time.
Southbound traffic is being diverted, and motorists are advised to use Fair Oaks Avenue or Arroyo Parkway as alternate routes. Residual congestion is expected in surrounding neighborhoods.
Community Impact
South Pasadena police are investigating the fatal crash and coordinating with Pasadena police regarding the earlier pursuit. Residents in the area were startled by the sound of the impact, and video from the scene shows significant structural damage to the garage. There is no report if anyone in the home sustained injuries.
Further details, including the identity of the driver, will be released once available.
PRELIMINARY REPORT: (Details may change as information becomes available)
Early Friday morning, a driver lost their life after crashing a vehicle into a home in South Pasadena following what authorities described as reckless driving.
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The incident occurred around 5:05 a.m. near Orange Grove Avenue and Arroyo Park when the car collided with a detached garage.
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Police had briefly pursued the vehicle but terminated the chase due to the driver’s erratic behavior.
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First responders pronounced the driver dead at the scene. No other injuries reported.
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The identity of the driver has not been released.
More details to come as the investigation continues.
Fox 11 News LA: Video Air Coverage of accident scene
