Westminster, CA – UPDATE: Eduardo Hernandez Killed in Crash Caused by Fleeing Suspect at Newland St & Westminster Ave
Westminster, CA (December 21, 2022) – On Friday morning, December 16, one person died, and another was injured in a violent crash following a police attempt to initiate a traffic stop.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the accident occurred at the intersection of Newland Street and Westminster Avenue in Westminster when Westminster police were attempting to execute a traffic stop. The incident began as the police attempted to pull over a Camaro for fraudulent tags, but the vehicle did not stop, sped down the street, and ran a red light at Trask Avenue, crashing into a BMW heading east. The driver of the BMW was ejected from his vehicle. The driver of the Camaro, 29-year-old Fred Harper Jr., continued to flee from the police and the scene of the accident
Emergency personnel was immediately called to the scene. Paramedics and firefighters responded quickly and tended to those injured. The driver of the BMW, a 64-year-old man, suffered very serious injuries and died at the scene of the crash. He was later identified as Eduardo Hernandez of Stanton. A 54-year-old male passenger also suffered very serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
Westminster and Garden Grove police departments searched the area for the driver, that fled the scene. The driver was eventually found mid-afternoon and was arrested. He was charged with several felony charges, including second-degree murder, driving under the influence of drugs, and hit-and-run causing death and injury. The circumstances surrounding the accident are under further investigation by local authorities.
We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased victim’s family at this time. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.
Our thoughts are also with the other person injured in this accident. We hope for their full recovery.
Fatal DUI Accidents in California
Most people will be pulled over by a police officer at some point in their life. When that happens, the law states that you must pull your vehicle to the side of the road as soon as safely possible. While most traffic stops are for minor traffic infractions, some traffic stops are for more serious violations or criminal investigations. Traffic stops are an important investigative and crime-stopping tool used by police officers. When criminal activity is afoot, what may seem like a simple traffic stop can quickly escalate into a more serious situation as the criminal tries to flee and evade the police.
Reckless driving is a very serious problem on the country’s roadways. When reckless driving is coupled with criminal behaviors and fleeing law enforcement, the chances of accidents occurring with a very serious injury or fatal outcome increase exponentially. Drunk driving is the pinnacle of reckless driving behavior and shows a blatant disregard for the well-being of others. Many people are seriously injured or tragically killed in DUI accidents each year. These types of accidents can be especially upsetting because they could have been so easily avoided by following the laws regarding drinking and driving.
If someone you love was killed in an accident as a result of someone else’s extreme negligence and criminal actions, it’s important to hold that person accountable for their actions. When you lose a loved one, no amount of money could replace their place in your life. However, a wrongful death suit can bring justice and closure to your deceased family member’s passing.
If you have lost somebody you love in a fatal car accident, speak with a legal advocate that you can trust. Please do not hesitate to contact a Westminster wrongful death attorney by calling (888) 539-3154 to see how we can help you.
Note: This post was created through the use of secondary sources such as state and local news sources, police accident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious injury accidents that take place in Orange County. The facts surrounding this accident have not been independently verified, therefore, if any information is incorrect, please contact Russell & Lazarus APC, Personal Injury Lawyer, so we can update the post with the most accurate information available. We will remove this post upon request.
Disclaimer: This is not a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post is intended to be medical or legal advice. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.