Teen racing with another driver killed in crash into tree in Chula Vista

by Karen Kucher

A 17-year-old driver died Monday night after crashing his car into a tree while allegedly racing with another motorist on an Otay Ranch street, police said.

Chula Vista police said the teen was driving a Toyota Corolla eastbound on East Palomar Street near La Media Road shortly before 7:40 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle. He failed to negotiate a turn, drove up onto a curb and hit a palm tree, which split the vehicle in half, police said.

Officers and paramedics performed life-saving measures, but the boy died before he could be taken to a hospital. His name was not released.

Several witnesses had called police to report that two vehicles were involved in a “speed contest” before the crash.

The second driver was a 28-year-old man in a Hyundai Elantra who had two small children riding in the vehicle with him. No one in the Hyundai was injured.

The Hyundai driver stopped after the crash and was cooperative with investigators, Officer Julio Armenta said in a news release.

Police said the cause of the collision has not yet been determined, and no arrests have been made. Drugs or alcohol were not suspected to be factors.

“All potential charges are still being evaluated as the investigation remains ongoing,” a Chula Vista police spokesperson said.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has more information is asked to call Chula Vista traffic investigators at 619-476-2428.

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