Suspected Car Thief Charged With Murder
A man suspected of stealing an SUV and driving off with the owner clinging to the vehicle was charged with murder after the owner fell and died during a chase with police.
Christopher Zanini, 26, of French Camp is accused of stealing a Chevy Suburban belonging to Angel Jimenez, 49, who jumped onto the vehicle to stop the theft Saturday, Stockton Police Department spokesman Pete Smith said.
Zanini sped off and failed to stop when officers spotted the vehicle.
He made a hard turn that caused Jimenez to lose his grip and fall, Smith said.
Jimenez died of a head injury at a hospital a short time later.
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