Driver and Passenger of Stolen Vehicle Die as a Result of Traffic Collision

"Driver and Passenger of Stolen Vehicle Die as a Result of Traffic Collision"
 
Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s South Traffic Detectives are investigating the deaths of two suspects who died, after the stolen car they were driving, became involved in a traffic collision.

On Wednesday, January 1, 2003 at approximately 5:55 p.m., LAPD Motorcycle Officer Andrew Vergara observed a car with two occupants, driven by 26 year-old Los Angeles resident Troy Smith, traveling southbound on Central Avenue at a high rate of speed. When Officer Vergara drove his motorcycle up next to the speeding car to tell the driver to slow down, suspect Smith intentionally swerved the car towards Officer Vergara in an apparent attempt to hit the officer, and then accelerated from the location.
After taking evasive action, Officer Vergara requested help and immediately pursued the car, which continued southbound on Central Avenue. After passing the intersection of Central Avenue and 73rd Street, the stolen car, driven by the suspect, collided with a 1995 Toyota driven by a 26 year-old male resident of Los Angeles. That individual was not injured.
The stolen car then collided with a van that was parked at the west curb of Central Avenue. The passenger in the stolen car, 19 year-old Zsaza McMillan, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smith was transported to USC Medical Center where he failed to respond to treatment and was later pronounced dead.
The car driven by Smith was reported stolen on December 30, 2002 from the City of Compton.
The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by South Traffic Detectives. For additional information contact Detective Mike Farrell at 213-290-6063. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL,
1-877-529-3855.
This press release was prepared by Officer Jack Richter, Media relations Section, 213-485-3586.