Anaheim, California (March 31, 2026) — Two people were killed, and three others were critically injured in a four-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning in Anaheim, according to police.
Authorities identified the deceased as 70-year-old Alberto Viveros Piedra of Orange and 14-year-old Andrew Joseph Sanchez, an Anaheim High School student.
The crash happened around 12:45 a.m. at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard.
Incident Details: According to the Anaheim Police Department, officers noticed a silver Infiniti sedan traveling at a high rate of speed near Cypress Street and Harbor Boulevard. Police said an officer tried to catch up to the vehicle, but before emergency lights were activated, the Infiniti allegedly turned off its lights, accelerated, and sped away. Authorities stated that officers did not initiate a pursuit.
A short time later, patrol units came upon a major crash scene at Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard. Police said the 19-year-old driver of the Infiniti ran a red light, causing the collision. Investigators believe the Infiniti was struck by a blue sedan as it entered the intersection, which then caused it to collide with a red sedan. Multiple vehicles were involved, including the Infiniti.
Piedra was killed in the crash. Family members told CBS Los Angeles that he had been on his way home from work. Sanchez, who police said was riding in the front passenger seat of the Infiniti, was also killed.
Authorities said two female Katella High School students who were riding in the backseat of the Infiniti were taken to local hospitals in critical condition. The 19-year-old driver of the Infiniti was also hospitalized in critical condition.
Investigation: Anaheim police are continuing to investigate the crash. In a case like this, investigators will likely focus on the Infiniti’s speed, the sequence of impacts, and whether the driver entered the intersection against a red light, as authorities have alleged.
Crash reconstruction involves reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, physical evidence, vehicle damage, traffic signal timing, and electronic data. In multi-vehicle crashes with reckless driving allegations, these details help determine how the collision happened and if other factors contributed.
Because police said officers did not initiate a pursuit, the central issue will likely remain the Infiniti driver’s conduct and the chain of events that followed after the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.
Legal Considerations: Fatal crashes involving alleged red-light violations and high-speed driving often present serious civil liability issues. Cases like this can involve both criminal and civil consequences. Even when a criminal investigation is underway, injured victims and grieving families may still have the right to bring civil claims based on the same underlying conduct.
If the evidence confirms that reckless or negligent driving caused this collision, the Piedra and Sanchez families may have the right to pursue wrongful death claims. Those claims can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of love, companionship, and guidance.
The injured victims may also file personal injury claims for hospital bills, future medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When injuries are serious, compensation may also include long-term disability and ongoing care needs.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Alberto Viveros Piedra and Andrew Joseph Sanchez, and I wish strength and recovery to those who were injured.
Source: CBS Los Angeles