LANCASTER, Calif. (KTLA) -- A 2-year-old child is dead and her mother was hospitalized after a pursuit suspect broadsided their car in Lancaster.
The crash happened just before 5:00 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of 10th Street West and Avenue I.
A Los Angeles County sheriff's detective driving back from court spotted a two-door Toyota speeding down Sierra Highway just before Avenue J.
The detective saw the Toyota cross the road's center divider, authorities said, but he could not chase the suspect because he was not in a patrol car.
He notified other units in the area, and members of a sheriff's gang task force pursued the car.
By then, the Toyota driver was speeding down Avenue I at 70 to 85 mph, authorities said.
Police say the suspect ran a red light at 10th Street West and I Avenue, and slammed into a car carrying a 37-year-old Lancaster woman and her toddler.
The toddler was pronounced dead at Antelope Valley Hospital. Her mother was hospitalized in serious condition, but is expected to survive.
The driver has been identified as 45-year-old Marvin Hicks, of Palmdale. He was also hospitalized, but his injuries were not serious.
He has since been released and booked for vehicular manslaughter at the Antelope Valley Jail. He is being held on $1 million bail.
I'm local and that sweet girl looks way to similar to my own baby. Praying for that mama and family. I can't even imagine.
