ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - A man was struck and killed by his own car as thieves drove it away from his Southern California home and three people were later arrested, authorities said.
Jose DeJesus Berrelleza, 33, of Anaheim died at the scene after he confronted the thief who was trying to take his work van shortly before 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, police said.
“He was able to open the passenger the door and get in. He was able to get a hold of the suspect and the steering wheel, and it was swerving,” said Lizette Flores, the victim’s wife, according to KCBS-TV.
He fell and was struck by the vehicle.
“He really was trying his hardest to protect what he felt was his. It was his responsibility to do so,” Flores said.
Berrelleza also leaves an 8-year-old daughter.
Several hours after the theft, police pulled over the van about a mile away from the crime scene. Omar Sanchez, 28, and Yesenia Escareno, 21, both of Anaheim, were arrested on suspicion of murder, carjacking and receiving stolen property, police said.
Adriana Gomez, 29, was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to the crime, police said.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether they had attorneys who could speak on their behalf.
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