Man Accused of Stealing Legos and Fatal Pursuit in O.C.
In a shocking turn of events, Anthony Michael Hanzal, a 43-year-old resident of Anaheim, is facing serious charges after a pursuit through Fullerton, Buena Park, and La Palma last week. What initially began as a petty theft of Legos from a grocery store in Fullerton escalated into a tragic incident resulting in the death of a 67-year-old woman.
Details of the Incident
According to prosecutors, Hanzal was spotted by a plainclothes Fullerton officer as he attempted to steal boxes of Legos from an Albertsons store on December 18. When confronted, Hanzal fled the scene in a reckless manner, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that spanned multiple cities.
As the pursuit continued, Hanzal allegedly ran a red light in La Palma, causing a fatal collision with Marianne Casey, a 67-year-old driver whose life was tragically cut short. The impact of the crash not only claimed Casey’s life but also resulted in injuries to other bystanders and motorists involved in the incident.
Legal Ramifications and Consequences
Hanzal, who has a prior criminal record, is now facing three felony charges: gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, petty theft, and evading a peace officer causing death. Prosecutors have emphasized that Hanzal was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, further complicating the legal proceedings.
Given Hanzal’s status as a second-striker under California’s three-strikes law, the potential consequences of his actions are severe. If convicted on all counts, he could be looking at a maximum sentence of 26 years and four months in prison, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Outrage and Calls for Accountability
In response to the tragic outcome of the pursuit, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed his frustration and anger at the senseless loss of life. He emphasized the need for accountability and consequences for Hanzal’s actions, stating, “Enough is enough. Actions have consequences, and I am mad as hell that an elderly woman is dead because a drug-addicted repeat thief decided to steal Legos from a grocery store and then lead multiple police agencies on a high-speed chase through Orange County in the middle of the day.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, questions remain about how such a seemingly minor crime could escalate into a fatal pursuit with far-reaching implications. The pursuit of justice for Marianne Casey and all those affected by this tragedy remains paramount as the legal process unfolds.