Oakland, CA (March 22, 2024) A burglary in Oakland turned into a tragedy when the suspects caused a wrong-way collision that killed 57-year-old Lee David Weiner from Lafayette. The horrible accident took place on westbound Interstate 580 just before 4:30 a.m., according to authorities. The suspects were leading officers on a high-speed chase when they headed the wrong way on the interstate, claiming an innocent man’s life.
The story actually begins with a robbery in El Cerrito that turned into a high-speed chase, officers said. The driver of a white pickup truck had just robbed a tobacco shop and was attempting to run from the police. As he fled, he merged onto Interstate 580 and then, suddenly, made a U-turn on the freeway. He then sped, the wrong way, down I-580 before heading east into the MacArthur Maze. He then collided with two other vehicles, a BMW and a white van, according to reports.
Police officers who were pursuing the runaway driver, slammed on their brakes and got out to apprehend the suspect. They called for paramedics following the wrong-way collision. Paramedics rushed to help the victims, but sadly found that the driver of the BMW, identified as Weiner, had been killed in the collision. With heavy hearts, they pronounced him dead at the scene. The driver of the van was seriously injured and rushed to a local hospital to receive treatment.
The driver of the pickup who was fleeing the police after robbing a tobacco shop, was also injured. He was identified as Oakland resident Patrick Sheckells, 43. He had a passenger in his getaway truck as well. 56-year-old Andre Alberty, a resident of San Francisco. Police officers are working with the California Highway Patrol to charge the two in the El Cerrito burglary as well as the deadly wrong-way crash.
All of us here at Accident News Now extend heartfelt sympathies to the family of Lee David Weiner, who was so tragically killed in this senseless accident. We know this is a difficult time for you, as his family, and our team of legal professionals is here to assist you during this difficult time. You can reach out to us any time, day or night.
Have you or a loved one been injured in this accident? Our team specializes in car accidents and we are here to help! You can reach us 24/7 at (866) 945-4286 or visit our online contact form at Accident News Now.
