Road Rage May Have Caused Deadly Crash Near Cal State Long Beach: Police

LONG BEACH, CA — Police say a road rage incident may have led to a crash that left one person dead and three others injured near Cal State Long Beach Wednesday morning.

The driver of a Tesla was involved in a road rage incident with someone in a dark-colored Subaru around 11:45 a.m. near the area of Seventh Street and Margo Avenue, the Long Beach Police Department said in a statement Thursday.

The drivers of both cars then began speeding and weaving through traffic while going eastbound on Seventh Street, police said.

At some point, the driver of the Tesla read-ended a box truck that was transporting hazardous materials. The impact of the crash caused the driver of the box truck to crash into a brick wall and overturn the vehicle onto its side, police said.

Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived to the scene where they used the Jaws of Life to free two passengers from the box truck.

The driver of the box truck, however, died at the scene, according to authorities. He was identified by his family as Jose Cesena Sr., a father of three boys, according to KTLA.

The two passengers of the box truck were hospitalized in critical condition. Meanwhile, the driver of the Tesla, identified by police as a 31-year-old San Diego resident, was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries, the LBPD said.

Detectives are investigating speed and reckless driving as factors in the crash, according to police.

The LBPD asks that anyone who may have witnessed the crash contact detectives at 562-570-7355. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can submit tips through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 TIPS" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App Store and Google Play), or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.