San Diego
One man died and another was in critical condition Tuesday after their vehicle was hit late Monday by a pickup truck being chased by San Diego police.
Javier Bahena, 28, of San Diego, died at 1:17 a.m. at UC San Diego Medical Center of multiple injuries, Deputy Coroner George Dickason said. His passenger, Angel Rodriguez, 20, address unknown, was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where he was in critical condition with multiple injuries, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Police said an officer stopped a vehicle eastbound on Interstate 8 near Taylor Street and, as the officer approached the car, the driver sped away.
The officer lost sight of the truck near California 163, but other police units picked it up on Mission Gorge and Friars roads. Sgt. Leon Pierce said the driver attempted to run the police cars off the road.
As the chase continued, at times reaching 80 m.p.h., the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Riverdale Street, where he slammed into Bahena’s car. The driver, George Buenfil, 26, was taken to UC San Diego Medical Center, where he was reported in good condition.
Pierce said Buenfil will be held on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
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