Driver of stolen Tesla sought after fatally striking motorcyclist in Pasadena


PASADENA >> Police are seeking the driver of a stolen Tesla who struck and killed a 60-year-old Pasadena man as he rode his motorcycle late Thursday.
Oscar Gary Chavez, 60, died following the 11:43 p.m. collision at Marengo Avenue and Washington Boulevard, according Los Angeles County coroner and Pasadena police officials.
He was riding his motorcycle through the intersection in an undetermined direction when he was struck by a 2015 Tesla heading north on Marengo Avenue “at a high rate of speed,” Pasadena police officials said in a written statement.
Chavez was thrown from his motorcycle in the collision, Pasadena police Lt. Mark Goodman said.
Paramedics pronounced Chavez dead at the scene at 11:49 p.m., said Ed Winter, assistant chief of operations at the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
“The driver of the Tesla abandoned the vehicle at the scene and fled on foot,” according to the statement. The search for the driver continued Friday.
Police soon determined the Tesla had been stolen in Pasadena within hours of the fatal collision, Goodman said.
The owner of the high-performance electric vehicle was not aware it had been stolen until police notified him it had been involved in a crash, Goodman said.
“We are actively seeking the identity of the driver of that vehicle. We are seeking the public’s assistance in trying to solve this crime,” Goodman said.
A detailed suspect description was not available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Pasadena police Lt. Diego Torres at 626-744-7159, or the on-duty watch commander at 626-744-4620. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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