Hit-and-Run Suspect Dies When Pinned by Westminster Police Car

A hit-and-run suspect was shot at by police and then killed in Midway City after he was pinned between a Westminster officer’s patrol car and a small tree, authorities said Thursday.

Hoang Tan Bui, 30, of Westminster, was struck while running on a residential street about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, said Orange County sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino.

The pursuing officer tried to steer his patrol car in front of the man to block his progress, Amormino said.

Instead, the patrol car collided with the man, pinning him between the vehicle and a 4-foot palm, said Amormino.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Several witnesses said the man’s death could have been avoided had the officer not attempted the maneuver or had he braked sooner.

The 44-year-old officer has been with the department for 14 years. Police declined to identify him or discuss whether he faced disciplinary action.

According to police, the incident began when police were flagged down by a motorist who said he had followed a hit-and-run suspect for several blocks. The witness pointed to the suspect’s car at Bolsa Avenue and Newland Street.

The officer walked toward the suspect and within 30 seconds drew his weapon and fired at least once at the driver as the car pulled away, Amormino said.

Amormino did not say what prompted the officer to shoot. The incident is under investigation.

Tuan Nguyen of Midway City said he and several friends celebrating the Lunar New Year ran outside after hearing police sirens.

After several blocks, the suspect abandoned his vehicle and ran, according to the police report.

“We saw the man running -- really like jogging, because it looked like he was hurt,” Nguyen said.

An officer arriving in his patrol car made a wide arc toward the sidewalk, according to police reports, then struck the man.

“I think the cop wanted to block him off but miscalculated and hit him,” Nguyen said.

Police declined to respond to Nguyen’s comments.

On Thursday morning, residents walked around the small palm that was tilted to one side from the crash impact.

The scene was marked by a lighted candle and a rosary.

The accident that preceded the shooting and chase was under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.