A tragic incident in California has left a family grieving just days before Christmas. A man, accused of stealing Legos from a grocery store, led police on a high-speed chase that ended in a fatal crash, prosecutors revealed.
The chaos began on December 18 at an Albertsons grocery store in Fullerton. According to Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, an undercover officer spotted 43-year-old Anthony Michael Hanzal stuffing Lego boxes into a bag and leaving the store without paying. The officer followed Hanzal in an unmarked car and called for backup from a marked police vehicle to stop him.
When a uniformed officer tried to pull him over, Hanzal reportedly took off, speeding through city streets. He rear-ended a car at a stoplight but kept going, eventually entering westbound State Road 91. The chase continued as he exited at Knott Avenue and headed into Buena Park, reaching speeds of over 90 mph.
The pursuit ended tragically in La Palma at the intersection of La Palma Avenue and Moody Street. Hanzal allegedly ran a red light and crashed into the driver’s side of a car driven by 67-year-old Marianne Mildred Casey. The impact was so severe that Casey was killed instantly. The crash also pushed their vehicles into other cars, causing non-life-threatening injuries to several people.
Authorities say Hanzal was under the influence of drugs during the chase. He has been charged with felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, evading a peace officer causing death, and petty theft with prior convictions. If convicted, he faces more than 26 years in prison.
District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed his outrage, stating that California’s “soft-on-crime” policies have led to tragedies like this. He shared his frustration that Casey’s family, instead of celebrating the holidays, is now preparing for a funeral. He promised accountability for criminals in Orange County and justice for victims like Casey.
Hanzal remains in the Orange County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 6.
