A man died in Westminster after being violently assaulted and then struck by two vehicles whose drivers fled the scene, according to Orange County authorities. Investigators say the assault and the fatal hit-and-run collisions are being handled as separate criminal cases.
Incident
Westminster police responded on June 14 to reports of a traffic collision near the 9200 block of Bolsa Avenue in the Little Saigon area. When officers arrived, they found a man lying unresponsive in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later determined that the victim had been attacked just minutes before the collision. Surveillance video reviewed by police showed the man being assaulted by several individuals nearby before entering the roadway.
Assault
According to police, one of the suspects used a machete during the attack, striking the victim in the head multiple times. After the assault, the man attempted to flee and ran into the street, apparently seeking help from passing motorists.
It was at that point, investigators said, that he was struck by two oncoming vehicles. The circumstances surrounding how the altercation began have not been released, and police have not said whether the victim knew the suspects.
The victim’s identity has not yet been made public.
Hit-and-Run
Both drivers involved in the collision left the scene before officers arrived. As part of the investigation, police later located one of the hit-and-run drivers and their vehicle in Anaheim.
The second driver remains unidentified. Police described the outstanding vehicle as a newer-model Toyota RAV4 SUV, blue or black in color. Investigators are continuing efforts to locate that driver.
Authorities emphasized that the hit-and-run portion of the case is being investigated separately from the assault.
Arrests
Following an investigation into the assault, detectives identified two suspects. Police arrested Keaton Jones, 25, of Westminster, and Qui Ly, 56, also of Westminster, on June 18.
The machete believed to have been used in the attack was recovered from one of the suspects, according to police. Both men were booked into the Orange County Jail on attempted homicide charges.
Investigation
Westminster police said the department’s traffic and detective divisions are working together to pursue prosecution related to both the assault and the hit-and-run collisions.
Investigators have not released details regarding a possible motive or the relationship between the victim and the suspects involved in the assault.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Investigator Lin at 714-548-3784 or the Westminster Police Watch Commander at 714-548-3767. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through OC Crime Stoppers.
Context
The case has drawn attention due to the sequence of events, involving a violent assault followed by a fatal traffic incident within minutes. Authorities say both aspects of the case will be evaluated independently as evidence continues to be gathered.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and as police work to locate the remaining hit-and-run suspect.
FAQs
Where did the incident happen?
It occurred on Bolsa Avenue in the Little Saigon area of Westminster.
What led to the man’s death?
Police say he was assaulted, then struck by two vehicles.
Have any suspects been arrested?
Two men were arrested in connection with the assault.
Are both hit-and-run drivers identified?
One driver was found; the second remains at large.
Are the assault and crash being investigated together?
Police said they are being handled as separate cases.
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