Driver who died in SLO County crash led officers on 100-mph car chase on Hwy. 101, CHP says
The driver who died in a crash off Highway 101 in Nipomo on Tuesday had led California Highway Patrol officers on a 100-mph car chase and had suspected stolen goods in his truck.
A CHP officer attempted to stop the driver of a gray Toyota Tacoma, a 25-year-old male who has not been identified, on Highway 101 southbound just north of Highway 166, the agency said in a news release.
The driver accelerated southbound as CHP approached, reaching 100 mph, straddling both lanes and nearly colliding with a vehicle in the right lane, CHP said.
Less than two minutes later, CHP said, the driver failed to exit the Highway 166 off-ramp and his vehicle rolled multiple times, landing on Hutton Road.
Officers who witnessed the crash immediately exited the freeway and arrived on scene, CHP said.
The driver was ejected onto the right shoulder of the highway and was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center, where he died, CHP said.
CHP said officers found several suspected stolen items on the roadway and in the vehicle and encouraged anyone who had been the victim of a theft in the past week to contact the agency and describe the stolen items in an effort to reclaim the property.
“We ask everyone to help us spread the word against reckless driving,” CHP SLO Cmdr. Capt. Mike Brown said in the release. “If we all abide by the laws of the road, we can make a difference.”
The CHP said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the accident or seeking to reclaim property can reach the agency at 805-594-8700. Anyone with information regarding the theft investigation should call the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office at 805-781-4500.
