STOCKTON, CA - A car crash Monday night has claimed the life of a 32-year-old Stockton woman.
People who live near the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Elmwood Avenue said police were chasing a suspect when he crashed into the victim's car.
Stockton police said they were not involved in an actual pursuit.
According to the California Highway Patrol website, deputies with the San Joaquin Sheriff's Office were chasing a driver who fled from them.
Witnesses said the woman was ejected from her car and suffered major injuries. Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Les Garcia said Tuesday the woman died in the crash. Her name has not been released.
According to a CHP report, the victim was approaching Elmwood Avenue from southbound Franklin Avenue when the suspect, speeding down Elmwood Avenue, crashed into the driver's side door of the victim's 1996 Saturn.
Garcia did say Tuesday he could not confirm or deny reports the deputy involved in the incident was related to the woman who died.
According to eyewitnesses, a Stockton police patrol unit, responding to the crash a couple of minutes later, lost control on the turn onto Franklin Avenue and crashed into a resident's fence.
The suspect fled the scene after the crash, but was caught by a San Joaquin County deputy, said a CHP report. CHP believes alcohol and drugs were involved in the crash.
Neighbors were upset at what they said was a dangerous chase in a residential area.
"It's nothing but kids. We're a neighborhood. They shouldn't be driving that way through a neighborhood," said eyewitness Christine Schamber.
"My daughters are playing softball at Lewis Park right now and they could have been coming home and it could have been one of them. I was just afraid it could have been one of them," said neighbor Frank Dobales.
The CHP has taken over the investigation, but has not commented on the crash.
News10/KXTV