Police Chase Ends with Murder Suspect Shot Dead on California Pier

A police chase of a suspect in a female acquaintance’s homicide ended in the suspect’s death at Newport Beach Pier in California.

On Saturday, a little after 2:30 a.m., the Menifee Police Department responded to a gunshot call at the 25000 block of Mesa Edge Court. Upon police arrival, they found Storm Wolf, 38, of Temecula, in a silver pickup truck with a fatal gunshot wound to the head, according to CBS News.

During the homicide investigation, Jose Velasquez, 45, became a primary suspect. Police learned that Velasquez was an acquaintance of Wolf’s and had fled the scene of the crime before officers’ arrival.

“Following investigative leads, authorities determined that Velasquez may have traveled to Santa Ana. The Santa Ana Police Department was contacted for assistance in locating him and his vehicle,” Menifee police said in a statement, as reported by ABC 7.

CBS News reports that Velasquez was located in a vehicle just after 6:00 AM at the 1400 block of Freeman Street in the city of Santa Ana. From there, a chase ensued through multiple cities and ended at the pier, approximately 12 miles away.

The suspect exited the silver Honda SUV he was driving, and that is when gunshots were heard.

“It is my understanding that the suspect did exit the vehicle. He was armed with a firearm, which was located at the scene,” said Santa Ana Police Department Officer Natalie Garcia, a spokeswoman for the agency. “That’s when the officer-involved shooting occurred.”

Velasquez was pronounced dead at the scene. No other person or officer was injured in the pursuit of the suspect.

This is still an open and ongoing investigation.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.

[Feature Photo via Shutterstock]