Driver says he intentionally crashed big rig into murder suspect’s truck to end police chase

SAN DIEGO — A California truck driver said he intentionally crashed his big rig into a murder suspect’s vehicle Tuesday night, ending an hourslong police pursuit that spanned multiple counties.

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Ahmed Shaaban was in Pomona picking up a load when he saw the chase pass by, KGTV reported.

“I was on the phone with one of my friends,” Shaaban said. “Saw him pass with 40 to 50 police cars behind.”

The friend told Shaaban about the murder suspect in a pickup truck that had led police on a chase from Temecula through Escondido and several southern California counties. About 15 minutes later, Shaaban was at a red light about to make a right turn, when he saw the murder suspect had circled back through a gas station parking lot and was about to pass in front of him.

“If he passed, I would have blocked all the cops, and he would have run,” Shaaban said. “The second I heard his engine, I floored my truck, and I hit him. (I) had to end it before he killed someone, or hit a car or hit a kid.”

The suspect was taken into custody shortly later. Shaaban said his truck is totaled, KABC reported.

“It’s my job. It’s how I make my money and support my family. My whole life depends on this truck,” Shaaban said.

Because the crash was deliberate, he fears his insurance will not cover it. Still, he does not regret his decision.

“I would have done it again … somebody had to stop him. Ultimately, it’s a piece of metal, and I may have saved a life,” Shaaban said.

A crowdsourced funding account was set up to help him buy a new truck.

Cox Media Group