Pittsburg, CA (March 23, 2025) – A police pursuit ended in a devastating crash early Sunday morning in Pittsburg, California, killing 22-year-old Vilamalia Polina Tuipulotu and injuring her fiancé, 23-year-old Beaux Tagaloa.
Accident Details: At approximately 12:45 a.m., Tuipulotu and Tagaloa were struck by a suspect fleeing California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers in a stolen Infiniti. The couple had just left a family gathering and were driving near the intersection of East Leland Road and Gladstone Drive when their SUV was struck.
CHP officials say two officers in a marked patrol car spotted the suspect vehicle, which was allegedly driving over 100 miles per hour on Highway 4. Officers initiated a brief pursuit when the Infiniti exited onto Railroad Avenue and ran a red light. Just one minute later, the suspect crashed into the couple’s vehicle.
Tuipulotu died in the crash. Tagaloa sustained critical injuries and is in the hospital.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: This tragic incident raises several legal questions. When a suspect flees law enforcement at high speeds, they violate multiple laws and create extreme danger for the public. In this case, investigators will evaluate the suspect’s actions. The pursuit itself will also likely be reviewed. Law enforcement agencies often assess whether the risk posed by a chase is justified by the danger of letting a suspect go.
Authorities will carefully review all available evidence to determine what happened. Police dashcam footage from the pursuing CHP vehicle may help establish the timeline and manner of the pursuit. Investigators will also look at traffic surveillance cameras in the area. Additionally, accident reconstruction experts will examine the crash site, vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris patterns to understand the impact dynamics better. Witness statements from people who saw the chase or the crash may also play a critical role in piecing together the full picture of what occurred in the moments before impact.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Tuipulotu’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Tagaloa may have grounds to file a personal injury claim for his injuries.
I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Vilamalia Polina Tuipulotu during this challenging time. I wish a Beaux Tagaloa swift recovery.
Source: Fox 2 KTVU