Orange County, CA (December 2, 2024) – On Monday night, a series of events led to a tragic fatal collision in Orange County, killing Hong Ngoc Nguyen and injuring two others.
Accident Details: The incident began around 7:30 p.m. when police responded to an arson call at a home on Arches Court in Fountain Valley. According to police, Timothy Cole, 43, allegedly set fire to a bush near the home during a domestic dispute, which spread to the house before residents extinguished it. Before officers arrived, Cole fled the scene in a white Dodge Ram pickup truck.
At approximately 10 p.m., police located Cole’s truck in a parking lot on Brookhurst Street. Cole fled when officers attempted to make contact, initiating a high-speed pursuit. The chase ended at the intersection of Ellis Avenue and Magnolia Street. Cole reportedly ran a red light at high speed, colliding with a white BMW occupied by three individuals.
The collision resulted in the death of 25-year-old Hong Ngoc Nguyen, who succumbed to her injuries on the way to a trauma center. The two other BMW occupants sustained injuries, with one in critical condition and the other in stable condition.
Cole was apprehended at the scene and transported to a trauma center in Long Beach. Charges are pending.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination.
- Driver Behavior and Liability: Cole’s alleged actions—committing arson, fleeing the scene, and engaging in a high-speed chase that ended in a fatal collision—raise multiple legal issues. Fleeing from the police and running a red light at a high rate of speed indicates reckless and dangerous behavior.
- Police Pursuit Protocol: Police pursuits inherently carry risks to public safety. While Cole’s decision to flee initiated the chase, investigators may review whether pursuit policies were appropriately followed, especially given the tragic outcome. Depending on the circumstances of the police pursuit, the city or police department may be deemed liable if negligence in pursuit procedures is identified.
Wrongful Death Claim: The family of Hong Ngoc Nguyen may pursue a wrongful death claim against the negligent parties. Compensation could cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Personal Injury Claims: The two surviving occupants of the BMW, currently in critical and stable condition, might be able to pursue personal injury claims. They may be able to recover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
My sincerest condolences are with the family and friends of Hong Ngoc Nguyen during this difficult time. I also wish the two injured individuals a swift recovery.
Source: KTLA 5