A high-speed police chase involving an arson suspect ended in a fiery rollover crash, leaving one woman dead and three others hospitalized in Fountain Valley on Monday night, December 2, 2024.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. near Ellis Avenue and Magnolia Street.
The pursuit began earlier that evening when officers responded to an arson call in the 18000 block of Arches Court. A domestic dispute had led to a suspect setting fire to a bush, which spread to the home’s structure. While the fire was extinguished by residents, officers identified and located the suspect’s vehicle, a white Dodge Ram truck.
At approximately 10 p.m., the suspect, identified as 43-year-old Timothy C., was seen entering the truck and fleeing at high speed when officers approached. The pursuit lasted less than a minute, ending when the suspect collided with a white BMW X3 at the intersection of Ellis and Magnolia.
The collision resulted in the death of a 25-year-old female passenger in the BMW, who was pronounced deceased on the way to the trauma center. Two other occupants of the BMW were hospitalized in critical and stable condition. The suspect was also transported with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation is ongoing.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.