Driver was racing down Blackstone before crash that killed 4, Fresno police say

In the moments before the fatal crash that killed four people on Bullard Avenue on Saturday night, 18-year-old Irvin Villarreal had been racing his black Ford Mustang on North Blackstone Avenue.

During a news conference Monday afternoon, the Fresno Police Department said traffic officers heard the engine of the Mustang and that of a Chevy Camaro as they sped down Blackstone just after 11:30 p.m.

The cars were traveling at 75 mph, police said.

The officers were able to stop and cite the driver of the Camaro.

Villarreal did not stop, speeding down Blackstone and onto West Bullard Avenue, where he was able to accelerate out of visual sight of police.

When the Mustang reached the light at North Palm Avenue it was traveling in excess of 100 mph, according to preliminary investigations. The car did not brake as it entered the intersection — and because of the speed, the other vehicles were not able to avoid the collision.

“That was one of the most brutal impacts I’ve seen in a real long time,” Fresno police Capt. Don Gross said at Monday’s news conference.

“This could have easily been a citation, and everyone would have gone on their way. ... It is tragedy upon tragedy.”

Passengers in pickup identified

Earlier on Monday, the Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified Villarreal as the driver of the Mustang and three others as occupants inside of a white Toyota Tacoma — one of three cars involved in the crash.

Those inside the pickup who died were identified as 27-year-old Christopher Vang and cousins Linda Chang, 21, and Allison Chang, 17. They were all from Fresno, according to the coroner.

At the news conference Monday, Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi said he was working with the nonprofit Fresno Center on a GoFundMe campaign to raise $30,000 for funeral arrangements for the victims.

The campaign went live on Monday. By Tuesday, it had already raised more than $10,000.

A second GoFundMe has been created by a student from Sanger High School, where Allison Chang was a senior. In a post on the site, Allison Chang is remembered as someone with “big dreams and aspirations,” who “ultimately wanted to always take care of her family.”

“I was fortunate enough to be able to see her recently, and I know, due to the pandemic, a lot of our friends and peers can’t say the same. I just want her family to be okay because I know they were the most important people in her life. Any and all donations, thoughts, and prayers are appreciated.”

Karbassi said he grew up not far from where the accident occurred and represents the area on the city council. He said he has heard from residents concerned about speeding on the streets, especially along West Herndon Avenue.

Unfortunately, shootings and murders are prioritized by police, which is understaffed.

“A car can be a weapon,” Karbassi said.

“The racing has to stop.”

Three other people were injured in the crash and taken to the hospital, including a 17-year-old girl. They have not been identified.

Police are awaiting toxicology to determine whether Villarreal was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.

This story was originally published December 28, 2020 at 12:06 PM.