Kevin Cortez Killed in Police Chase Crash on Hilltop Drive and Cypress Avenue [Redding, CA]

Kevin Cortez Killed in Redding Police Pursuit Accident on Hilltop Drive [Redding, CA]

REDDING, CA (August 30, 2021) – Last month, 15-year-old Kevin Cortez died in a police chase crash on Hilltop Drive and Cypress Avenue.

According to authorities, the incident started at around 3:01 a.m. A Redding Police Officer spotted a stolen vehicle going northbound on Churn Creek Road passing Cypress Avenue.

Then, the officers chased the silver 2017 Honda Accord near the intersection of Churn Creek Road and Mistletoe Lane. They attempted to pull over the vehicle, but it turned off its headlights and fled at a high rate of speed.

Moments later, the officer spotted the flash of the red-light cameras activating at the intersection of Hilltop Drive and Cypress Avenue. Then, the stolen vehicle collided with a black 2021 Nissan Sentra. As a result, the stolen vehicle rolled over and came to rest in the parking lot of Circle K.

Moreover, responders transported the 42-year-old female driver of the Nissan to a hospital with moderate injuries. Officials confirmed that 5 juveniles occupied the stolen car at the time of the crash.

Furthermore, paramedics pronounced Kevin Cortez, an Enterprise school student, dead at the scene. Meanwhile, responders took a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old to a hospital with major injuries.

Also, officers said that two 15-year-old females fled the scene after the crash. Authorities managed to locate one of the juveniles and transported them to a hospital for treatment. Then, they contacted the other female juvenile at her address. Then, they took her to a hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, officials said that a 15-year-old admitted to being the driver of the stolen vehicle. The fatal Redding accident remains under investigation.

Kevin’s mother, Teresa Virrjen, says her son was “at the wrong place at the wrong time.” She told KRCR “I know for a fact. Because I knew him so well – like the palm of my hand. I know that Kevin didn’t know what he was getting himself into.”

A GoFundMe has been kickstarted in order to raise money for Kevin’s memorial expenses. Please consider donating through the link here.

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We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kevin Cortez.

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The Aftermath of the Crash

The aftermath of serious accidents can make everything difficult for a family. Grieving and handling legal claims don’t exactly go hand in hand.

“Having legal representation after such a traumatic event will provide your family the space to heal,” says Mark Sweet, a seasoned attorney at Sweet Lawyers.

Also, an attorney’s goal is to safeguard the legal rights of families in the wake of catastrophic accidents.

“Insurance companies only protect their interests. Therefore, we’re here to protect those of our clients.”

In the face of such a tragedy, it is important to make sure your family is taken care of. If you want strong legal representation to advocate on your behalf, contact Sweet Lawyers at (800) 674 7852. When someone dies in an auto accident, the children, parents, or guardians of the deceased have the right to file a claim. We are a wrongful death case law group that aims to do right by your loved one. More so, we’re determined to get you the best settlement while you work on healing and recovering. Call us today for a 100% free and confidential case evaluation. Above all, we believe your loved one deserves proper justice.