San Gabriel Valley Man Faces Possible Murder Charges After Crashing Stolen Vehicle

A man who fled from Arcadia police in a stolen vehicle that crashed in Temple City and killed his passenger was facing a possible murder charge today, authorities said.

Richard John Villareal, 28, of Arcadia was arrested at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 11:30 a.m. Monday at Lower Azusa Road and Arden Drive, Arcadia police Capt. Paul Foley said. Villareal was booked on suspicion of murder, felony evading and grand theft auto, Foley said.

Michael Sandoval Jr., 38, of Arcadia died at the scene, coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter said.

The pursuit began when Arcadia police saw a vehicle near Workman and Baldwin avenues that was reported stolen and officers tried to pull it over, Foley said.

"The suspect driver failed to yield to police, and a pursuit ensued," Foley said. "The suspect continued to flee westbound on Lower Azusa Road into the city of Temple City (where) the suspect drove through a red signal light at the intersection of Lower Azusa Road and Arden drive and was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Arden Drive."

Villareal suffered minor injuries. The other motorist was not injured, police said.

The case was being investigated by Arcadia police detectives and personnel from the sheriff's Temple Station.

—City News Service