Pursuit ends in fatal crash, car fire on PCH in Malibu

MALIBU, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - A man driving a stolen car struck and killed a pedestrian today in Malibu while trying to speed away from deputies, who had called off their pursuit moments earlier, authorities said.

The pedestrian died at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 8 a.m. in the 27500 block of Pacific Coast Highway, according to the sheriff's department. His name was withheld, pending notification of his family.

The suspect, in his early 20s, was rescued by deputies from the car after it crashed into parked vehicles and caught fire, said sheriff's Sgt. Bob Boese. The man, whose name was not immediately released, was taken to a hospital with injuries of unknown severity. Three deputies were treated for
possible smoke inhalation.

Deputies had been patrolling the Zuma Beach area when they saw the stolen vehicle and pulled it over, Boese said. A female passenger got out, but the suspect drove off, he said.

"A very brief pursuit was initiated by the deputies and the sergeant on scene for approximately 10, 15, 20 seconds, and based on the high rate of speed and the erratic driving of the suspect, the on-field supervisor canceled the pursuit,'' Boese said. ``Moments later ... (he) lost control of the vehicle
and unfortunately hit a pedestrian ... causing the death of that pedestrian instantly.''

The suspect vehicle then crashed into three parked cars, and the wreckage also damaged a truck that was being driven on PCH, Boese said. The stolen vehicle and the parked cars caught fire, and deputies rescued the suspect from the fiery wreckage, Boese said.

The female passenger was taken into custody for questioning.

A section of PCH was closed while an investigation was conducted, a closure that was continuing about four hours afterward.