The coroners office confirms that a driver being chased by deputies in San Jose killed a brother and sister after slamming into the victims’ Toyota Camry.
Fox2 reports the victims have been identified as Precious Nievas, 25, and her younger brother, Philip, 22.
Both the driver who struck the victims’ vehicle and his passenger have been arrested and charged with gross vehicular manslaughter along with firearm and narcotics offenses.Â
Both sustained non-life threatening injuries after deputies said they ran a red light.
AsAmNews has contacted the Santa Clara County Sheriff Department for their identities and will update the story as information becomes available.
A Go Fund Me campaign being organized for the family has raised more than $20,000.
“It broke our hearts to learn that neither of them survived the accident, ” campaign organizer Michelle Sy wrote.
“They were both extremely young with many dreams. Many describe Precious and Philip to be very kind and down to earth. Precious was very caring for her little siblings and was like a mother figure to them after they lost their mom at a young age. Precious has a sweet smile that many people will not forget. Philip was a quiet person who loved playing video games, but when people get to know him they see that he is a funny and sarcastic person with a very soft heart.”
According to an earlier story from Fox2, deputies tried to pull over the suspects, but the driver refused to stop and a chase ensued.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
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I once tried to start a petition to ban car chases by the police because of just this reason. So many innocent people have been killed this way over things like stolen cars, running a stop light, etc. A stolen car is usually eventually abandoned, and are lives worth a stolen car or someone running a red light? Even a few drugs? NO! This macho car chasing as glorified in movies is just that. BAN POLICE FROM CHASING CARS!! use helicopters!