Driver was shot before crashing into parked truck in Azusa, investigators say

A driver died after losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a truck in Azusa Monday morning, and investigators say the driver had been struck by gunfire shortly before the collision.

Los Angeles County Fire crews and Azusa police officers responded at about 10:05 a.m. to a report of a high-speed collision in the 17700 block of E. Newburgh Street.  

The out-of-control car, a dark-colored Hyundai sedan, slammed into a parked truck and caught on fire, and the truck reportedly struck another parked vehicle.

"It was [ridiculous], the speed and everything," said witness Steven Jimenez. "I got the notification. Soon as I saw it I knew I had to come home. 

Jimenez, whose security camera captured the collision, estimated that the driver was traveling at least 55-60 mph. 

"I was scared," said witness Reyna Sanchez. 

The parked truck belonged to Sanchez's family and her father helped put out a fire.

"His instinct was to get the fire [extinguisher] out and try to help the guy out," she said. 

Sanchez said neighbors tried to help the driver but he had already died by the time the fire was put out. 

Authorities later discovered the driver was shot prior to crashing on E. Newburgh Street. Law enforcement sources said the driver was wearing a dark ski mask at the time of the crash. The driver was estimated to be about 18 to 25 years old, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. 

A preliminary investigation led authorities to believe the victim was involved in an earlier car-to-car shooting about a quarter-mile from the crash scene, according to the sheriff's department.

On Friday, the victim was identified as Benjamin Caranchini, 18.

Anyone with information about the shooting or crash was encouraged to call the L.A. County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be made by calling (800) 222-8477.