Spring Valley Man Slain Fleeing Police

A police officer shot and killed a Spring Valley man who was trying to steal a second vehicle after crashing a stolen truck while being pursued by some 20 officers, authorities said.

John William Baldwin, 29, was shot by Officer Steve Schaeffer, a 10-year veteran, Detective Don Martin said.

Police gave this account of the events that led to the slaying:

A state parole officer who had seen Baldwin speeding approached him at a service station. Baldwin abandoned his vehicle and girlfriend and stole a truck across the street.

He then tried several times to run down the parole officer, who was attempting to arrest Baldwin’s struggling girlfriend.

Baldwin slammed the truck into several vehicles before fleeing. About 20 officers chased Baldwin on California 99 at speeds of up to 110 m.p.h.

During the chase, Baldwin rammed another car, causing it to overturn. The occupant escaped with minor injuries.

Baldwin abandoned the banged-up truck on a city street and was trying to steal a sports car stopped for a traffic light when he was shot.