Suspected drunk driver being pursued by Brentwood police dies in crash

BRENTWOOD — A driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol who was being pursued by a police officer Thursday night died when their vehicle left the roadway and crashed, authorities said.

Authorities did not release any details about the person killed pending confirmation of their identity and notification of their next of kin.

In a news release, police said that about 7:06 p.m. Thursday a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Sand Creek Road and O’Hara Avenue when he saw a vehicle commit an unspecified vehicle code violation.

The release said the officer conducted a traffic stop. When the officer made contact with the driver, the release said the officer observed that the driver “displayed obvious symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol.”

The release said that during the traffic stop, the driver drove away in their vehicle and the officer began a pursuit.

The release said that after a short time, the vehicle being pursued left the roadway and crashed. Police did not say exactly where the crash occurred.

Officers attempted to provide aid to the driver but the person died at the scene, the release said.

Because the pursuit ended in a death, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has begun an investigation per county protocol.

Anyone who may have witnessed what happened or has any other information is asked to call Brentwood police at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.