Man Dies After Driving Over Azusa Cliff During Pursuit: Police

AZUSA, CA — A man who eluded Azusa police and died after driving a vehicle over a cliff in the Angeles National Forest was publicly identified Saturday.

Noe Rios was a 35-year-old Duarte resident, according to the Medical Examiner's office. He died from traumatic injuries.

Officers received a call regarding a welfare check on a person exhibiting mental health concerns around 1:05 p.m. Thursday, according to Azusa Police Department spokesman Lt. Jake Bushey.

Moments later, responding officers located the man now identified as Rios at the wheel of a vehicle northbound on Azusa Avenue in the city's downtown area and attempted to pull him over, resulting in a slow-speed pursuit leading into Azusa Canyon, Bushey said.

Rios drove about a mile from the canyon's entrance before intentionally driving off the road and down a 350-foot embankment.

Los Angeles County Fire Department officials and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene and pronounced Rios dead.

It was unclear what may have triggered his mental health crisis. An investigation is ongoing.

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