LOS ANGELES – A Torrance Police Department stolen car pursuit that ended in a fatal crash resulted in a heavy jail sentence for the serial car thief.
Zachary Thomas Alexander (24) of San Pedro, was out on bail for a stolen vehicle case and a history of grand theft auto priors. His last dangerous joyride ended in the death of victim Charles Wang, 56.
The serial car thief was involved in a stolen vehicle PD pursuit on Feb. 20th. He careened into the victim’s car near Carson St. and Maple Ave., killing the victim at the scene of the crash.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced, “Alexander pleaded to four felony counts of receiving stolen property, motor vehicle with priors; three felony counts of grand theft auto with priors; as well as one felony count each of fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle causing death; and driving or taking a vehicle without consent after a prior conviction.”
Prior to the final PD pursuit, Alexander stole two vehicles during January and February 2017. Torrance PD conducted the investigation of Case YA095643.
After the No Contest plea, “Alexander was immediately sentenced to 26 years in state prison,” said Deputy DA Lindsay Kurtis.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey leads the largest local prosecutorial office in the nation. Her staff of nearly 1,000 attorneys, 300 investigators and 800 support staff members is dedicated to protecting our community through the fair and ethical pursuit of justice and the safeguarding of crime victims’ rights.
