Driver, 19, dies after Long Beach pursuit lasts less than a minute

A 19-year-old driver in a pursuit in Long Beach died and a passenger was injured after his car veered off the 710 Freeway and crashed into a tree early Monday, according to California Highway Patrol.

CHP officers tried to pull over the man, who was driving a black Lexus ES 300, for allegedly speeding around 2 a.m., the agency said. But the driver refused to stop, resulting in a chase along the southbound 710 Freeway that lasted just 45 seconds, CHP Officer Sergio Garcia said. It ended when the car crashed off the 710 Freeway's transition road to the northbound 405 Freeway.

In a news release, CHP officials said it's unclear why but the man allowed his car to veer off the roadway and it overturned and collided with a tree.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger suffered moderate injuries, according to CHP.

The driver was suspected of felony reckless evading but investigators said it does not appear alcohol or drugs were a factor, the agency said.

Caltrans shut down the road where the crash happened as investigators remained at the scene for hours. Around 6 a.m., a Los Angeles County Medical Examiner vehicle was seen at the crash site along with a few officers.

CHP has not released the identity of the driver or other details.

Witnesses or anyone else with information are urged to reach the CHP South Los Angeles area office at 424-551-4000. Calls during non-business hours can be made to the Los Angeles Communications Center at 323-259-3200.