A man in California, accused of stealing Legos from a grocery store, caused a deadly crash while fleeing from police, killing a 67-year-old woman, prosecutors say.
The incident happened on December 18 in Fullerton at an Albertsons grocery store. According to Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, an undercover officer saw 43-year-old Anthony Michael Hanzal taking boxes of Legos and putting them in a bag... Continue reading here ▶
Hanzal allegedly left the store without paying, prompting the officer to follow him in an unmarked car and call for backup from a marked police vehicle.
When a uniformed officer tried to pull him over, Hanzal sped away, Spitzer said. During the chase, Hanzal rear-ended another car at a red light but kept driving.
He entered State Road 91 at high speed, exited at Knott Avenue in Buena Park, and continued into La Palma, reaching speeds of over 90 mph. At the intersection of La Palma Avenue and Moody Street, Hanzal allegedly ran a red light and crashed into a car driven by 67-year-old Marianne Mildred Casey.
Casey was killed instantly, Spitzer said. The crash also pushed the two vehicles into others, causing non-life-threatening injuries to additional people.
Prosecutors said Hanzal was under the influence of drugs during the incident. He has been charged with felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, evading police causing death, and petty theft with prior convictions. If convicted, Hanzal faces over 26 years in prison.
District Attorney Spitzer released a strong statement, saying, “Enough is enough. Actions have consequences, and I am furious that an elderly woman is dead because a repeat offender decided to steal Legos and lead police on a high-speed chase in broad daylight.
Marianne Casey’s family should be celebrating the holidays, not planning her funeral. Orange County will not tolerate these actions. If you commit crimes here, there will be justice for victims.”
Hanzal is being held in Orange County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 6.
