2-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Struck By Man Speeding Away From Lancaster Deputies
LANCASTER (CBSLA.com) — A 2-year-old girl was killed and her mother badly hurt after their vehicle was hit by a suspect in a police chase Thursday.
The pursuit began when deputies spotted the 45-year-old suspect running a red light at Sierra Highway and Avenue J, said Sgt. Paul Pfrehm of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The suspect, driving a black Toyota, allegedly refused to make a traffic stop and sped off.
Authorities followed the suspect north on Sierra Highway as he reportedly continued to run through red lights. He then continued west on Avenue I.
Shortly after 5 p.m., the Toyota's driver drove through a red light at the intersection of Avenue I and 10th Street West, striking a blue Lexus.
The woman driving the Lexus, Tina Ruano, and her young daughter, Madison, were transported to a hospital, Pfrehm reported.
Madison later died from her injuries. Her mother was listed in serious condition as of late Thursday.
"Our dear friends lost their precious miracle baby last night (12/6/2012) in a horrific car accident. Mom, Tina, is still in the hospital recovering but stable. We are asking for any support. Please pray for the Ruano family," family friend Lisa Shelton wrote on a Baby Madison Ruano Facebook page.
The suspect, only identified as a 45-year-old Palmdale resident, was listed in serious condition. He was arrested on suspicion of felony vehicular manslaughter.
