Authorities have identified the driver died in a crash involving a stolen vehicle in Oakley as 50-year-old Erwin Queja De La Cruz. Three juveniles traveling in the stolen car were seriously injured and hospitalized.
According to the Antioch Police Department, the incident began the morning of February 24 when officers attempted to stop a gray Honda sedan that had been reported stolen in Oakland two days earlier. Police said the vehicle was believed to have contained a firearm at the time it was stolen.
Officials reported that the vehicle crossed from Antioch into Oakley around 10:24 a.m. Antioch officers discontinued their pursuit before the car left city limits and notified neighboring agencies.
The Oakley Police Department said an officer later observed the Honda entering Oakley at a high rate of speed and initiated a pursuit. Authorities stated the vehicle traveled through several major intersections before a supervising officer terminated the pursuit.
Shortly after the pursuit was called off, the Honda collided with De La Cruz’s vehicle at the intersection of O’Hara Avenue and Laurel Road. De La Cruz died as a result of the crash, police said.
Three juveniles inside the stolen Honda sustained major injuries. Due to their ages, authorities have not released their identities.
Oakley officials described the crash as a tragic incident and extended condolences to the victim’s family. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and collision.
