Phoning-While-Driving Incident Leads to Police Chase, Fatal Accident

What should have been a routine traffic stop ended in a fatal car accident yesterday evening when a driver in Concord refused to stop for a patrol car that spotted him talking on his cellphone while driving. Instead of pulling over, the driver of a white pickup sped off down Solano Way, leading police on a brief chase before broadsiding a BMW, killing the innocent driver inside.

With his own vehicle totaled, the driver of the pickup took off on foot before being arrested along with his passenger. KTVU reports investigators from Concord PD also found a gun in the vehicle. They have yet to identify the suspect and his passenger or speculate on why the pair were eager to get away.

According to police, the chase was so short the responding officer didn't have time to call off the potentially dangerous pursuit. CHP and the District Attorney are currently handling the investigation.

[CBS5]
[KTVU]