Teen car theft victim accidentally struck, killed by responding deputy

HESPERIA, Calif. (FOX 11) - An 18-year-old man was fatally struck by a San Bernardino County deputy's vehicle who was responding to a call for his stolen vehicle early Wednesday morning in Hesperia.

Officials say a suspect identified as Jordan Lee Pence stole Patrick Chambers' vehicle from the Hidden Tavern on Main Street just after 12:30 am.

Chambers jumped into his friend's Camaro as a passenger, and together they followed his stolen car down Main Street.

At the same time, a deputy with lights and sirens activated saw the stolen vehicle and tried to stop it.

Officials say Pence then lost control of the stolen car, and fled from the scene on foot. The driver of the Camaro got out of his car and began to chase Pence.

Chambers, the passenger, got out of the Camaro and was standing in the open door as deputies approached.

But unknown to the deputies, the stolen vehicle had been dripping engine oil for at least 1,000 feet. As the deputy tried to stop near the Camaro, the patrol car slid and couldn't stop, hitting the passenger side of the Camaro and striking Chambers.

Chambers was pronounced dead at the scene.

His friend detained Pence until other deputies arrived and took him into custody.

Pence was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of stolen property.

He was booked into the High Desert Detention Center and his arraignment is set for October 27th.