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19-year-old killed in fiery crash after trying to stop car thief

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Authorities said a 19-year-old man was killed in a fiery crash Sunday after jumping onto the hood of his car while trying stop a man who was stealing the vehicle.

Oscar Perez of Lynwood died about 3:50 p.m. at the scene of the crash in the 3500 block of East Olympic Boulevard in Boyle Heights, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

Perez had been exchanging information with another driver after getting into a collision at Pico Boulevard and Esperanza Street when a man who was uninvolved in the crash entered his car and tried to drive off, KTLA reported.

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Fearing the man would get away, Perez jumped onto the hood of his car and clung to it until the man crashed into a building, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The car then burst into flames and Perez was pronounced dead at the scene, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said.

Police said the alleged car thief was taken into custody. He suffered serious injuries and remained hospitalized Monday, LAPD Officer Nuria Vinegas said.

Police have not released his name, and it’s not clear what charges he might face.

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