Anaheim, CA (October 9, 2024) A 31-year-old man failed to pull over for a traffic stop on Friday, leading to a chase with police that turned fatal for passenger Roberto Carlos Venta-Munoz, 32, of Anaheim.
The police pursuit ended when the driver crashed into a tree in front of an apartment complex near 1200 State College Boulevard. The driver was freed from being trapped in the truck and taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Passenger Roberto Carlos Venta-Munoz was not so lucky. He was tragically killed in the crash. The driver was arrested.
We at Accident News Now offer our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim. We know this is a heart-wrenching loss. If you or someone you know was affected by this incident, please feel free to give us a call anytime. We have a team of legal experts who can help you navigate this terrible situation and answer any questions you may have.
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The Legal Details: Evading the Police
California Vehicle Code 2800.1 prohibits people from attempting to evade or flee a California peace officer. Breaking this law is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Further, California Vehicle Code 2800.2, Felony Reckless Evading, can be a misdemeanor or a felony, and comes with more severe consequences. California Vehicle Code 2800.2 applies when a person not only flees from a police officer, but they do so dangerously, showing willful disregard for people and property.
The driver in this situation met the criteria for breaking 2800.1 when he refused to pull over for the police. Leading them on a chase was definitely dangerous, and the fact that he slammed into a tree near a residential building at the end also shows a disregard for others’ safety, especially his passenger. It’s likely that the driver was charged with Felony Reckless Evading for this reason.
