Anaheim, CA (October 4, 2024) – A 31-year-old man is in custody following a police pursuit in Anaheim that ended in a deadly crash early Friday morning, October 4, 2024.
Accident Details: The incident began when Anaheim police attempted a routine traffic stop. Suspect Jose Manuel Linares reportedly refused to pull over. He allegedly led police on a chase that concluded when his pickup truck crashed into a tree near 1200 State College Boulevard. His passenger, 32-year-old Roberto Carlos Venta-Munoz of Anaheim, was killed. After the crash, Linares was trapped in the wrecked vehicle but was eventually rescued and taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this accident raises essential questions about liability and accountability.
Fleeing from the Police: Every driver has the duty to drive safely and not do anything that endangers other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. Police chases are generally negligent acts as fleeing from law enforcement breaches this duty. When Jose Manuel Linares allegedly refused to pull over for a traffic stop, he put others in danger, and his passenger, Roberto Carlos Venta-Munoz, was killed. This act may subject Linares to both criminal and civil actions.
Civil Liability: Linares may be found legally responsible for the death of his passenger if the investigation establishes that his decision to flee directly caused the crash and death of Venta-Munoz. If so, the family of the deceased may consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Roberto Carlos Venta-Munoz during this challenging time. I extend our heartfelt sympathies as they navigate their grief and search for answers.
Source: My News LA