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Hector Samuel Martinez

Age : 24

Gender : Male

Race : Latino/a/e

Date : 05/23/2026

Location : South Los Angeles

City : Los Angeles

County : Los Angeles

State : California

Agency : Los Angeles Police Department

Officer(s) :Not disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Driver killed by police chase crash

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 05/23/2026, Los Angeles Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle occupied by Hector Samuel Martinez after determining it had been reported stolen. Martinez continued driving away while officers pursued through South Los Angeles. During the pursuit, he drove at high speed, committed multiple traffic violations, and entered busy surface streets as officers followed.
As the pursuit continued, Martinez approached the intersection of West Century Boulevard and San Pedro Street and entered the intersection at a high rate of speed. His vehicle collided with another vehicle, causing catastrophic damage. Martinez sustained fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital.
A passenger in the stolen vehicle survived the collision. Officers took the passenger into custody at the scene. Investigators stated the passenger was arrested on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle and other related offenses arising from the pursuit.
LAPD closed the surrounding intersection while investigators documented the crash scene, examined the vehicles, and collected evidence. Detectives from the department's specialized traffic investigators responded to determine the circumstances of the collision and the events surrounding the pursuit. The investigation included review of police radio traffic, pursuit policies, witness statements, and available surveillance evidence.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/video-los-angeles-police-chase-ends-in-deadly-crash-1-arrested/