Los Angeles: On Sunday, February 13, 2005, at about 12:05 a.m., Southeast Area patrol officers saw a 1997 blue Chevrolet passenger van driving recklessly near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and 108th Street. The officers attempted to stop the driver of the vehicle for suspicion of driving under the influence. The driver refused to stop and the officers pursued the vehicle southbound Vermont Avenue.

At the intersection of Vermont Avenue and 182nd Street the blue Chevy van collided with the driver side door of a gray Chevrolet Astro Van, travelling eastbound on 182nd Street. Two passengers in the gray van were injured one adult male and his 11 year-old son. The driver of the blue van sustained minor injuries.

Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics transported the victims to local hospitals.

The driver of the gray Astro van died as a result of the injuries he received during the collision. His 11 year-old son received minor injuries.

The driver of the blue Chevrolet van was identified as 37 year-old Jesus Chavez. He was arrested for 187 PC (Murder) and booked at 77th Area jail. A loaded AK 47-assault rifle was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.

South Traffic Detectives are investigating this incident. For questions please call 323-290-6063. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the Detective Information Desk's 24-hour toll-free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Section. For questions please call 213-485-3586.