Fifth child dies after police chase that ended in crash in California

August 11, 2009

A fifth child has died as a result of a police pursuit that ended in a crash in Dinuba, California on Sunday, August 9. Carlos Eric Salazar, aged 8, was the eighth victim to die as a result of the crash.

On Sunday, four children were among seven that were killed when the pursued suspect who, after refusing to stop for police, slammed into the GMC Sierra pickup truck carrying a family, two adults and five children. The family was on their way to attend a football game for youths when the crash occurred. Four of the children were ejected from the truck and died at the scene. The two adults and one child were taken to Community Regional Medical Center located in Fresno.

Both vehicles collided with lemon trees at an orchard near the intersection of Avenue 424 and Road 120 in Dinuba. Three people, including the suspect, were in a stolen 2005 Dodge Neon and also died at the scene. Their identities are not yet known as none of them were carrying identification.

The other children were named Sienna Salazar aged 1, Michael aged 3, Monique aged 4 and Jocelyn aged 7. The two adults, Carlos Salazar Jr., 29, and Jennifer, 26, remain in the hospital where they are recovering from their injuries. None of the victims in the pickup were wearing seat belts, according to Fox News.