Motorcyclist Killed in Freeway Crash Trying to Flee CHP
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NEWPORT BEACH — A motorcyclist being pursued by police along the Costa Mesa Freeway died Thursday of injuries suffered in a crash late Wednesday, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The cyclist, identified as Philip Edward Vautrinot, 30, of Lake Forest, was first pursued by Newport Beach police officers northbound on the freeway at speeds up to 85 m.p.h.
Vautrinot attempted to make the transition to the southbound San Diego Freeway, according to CHP Officer Angel Johnson. However, he lost control of the motorcycle, struck a concrete wall and was thrown onto the roadway.
Vautrinot, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to Irvine Medical Center for treatment, where he died early Thursday morning, according to the county coroner’s office. Police believe he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the pursuit, Johnson said.
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