Driver who was killed in crash while fleeing CHP in Fresno near Fig Garden identified

The driver of a Buick Enclave was killed early Friday near Fig Garden after he sped away from an officer and crashed into a brick structure, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The collision took place at North Palm and East Ashlan avenues just after midnight, according to CHP spokesman Mike Salas. The driver was identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Derrick Lamont Daniels, 43, of Fresno.

Salas said an investigation is underway to determine whether he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Salas said an officer saw the Buick heading westbound on Belmont at a high rate of speed before turning north on Palm. When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop, Daniels accelerated away, and the officer broke off pursuit.

The Buick slammed into a Mitsubishi at Ashlan after running a red light, then careened into the structure, where the car caught fire. The officer pulled Daniels from the burning car, but he died at the scene.

The Mitsubishi driver suffered minor injuries.

This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 8:04 AM.