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Victim of I-5 racing crash ID'ed as Sheriff's lieutenant's son
Brian Lewandowski, 18, was one of three people killed in a fiery freeway crash caused by a pair of street racers over the weekend.
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Courtesy of L.A. County Sheriff's Department
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One of three people killed in a fiery freeway crash caused by a street racer over the weekend was the son of a Los Angeles County Sheriff's lieutenant.
The crash occurred shortly after midnight Saturday, when a Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger were racing in the southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway near Commerce.
The Challenger lost control and hit a UPS big rig, which smashed through the center divider and collided with six other vehicles in the northbound lanes, CHP Officer Tony Polizzi told KPCC.
Brian Lewandowski, 18, was one of two people killed in a Nissan Sentra, the sheriff's department said Sunday. His parents are Jocelyn and Victor Lewandowski, who is a homicide lieutenant with the sheriff's department.
In a statement, the family said:
"Brian was an incredible young man and every parent's dream for a son. We are absolutely devastated by our loss. Our hearts go out to the other victims and their families and our prayers are for the survivors' recovery. We are very thankful for the love and support of family and friends throughout this time."
The UPS driver was also killed.
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Dana Treadway said his brother Scott was driving the truck.
"He'd come and help you anytime you needed it. He was always there for you and we'll miss him," Treadway said in an interview with NBC4.
One of the two suspected street racers, identified by the Associated Press as Dealio Lockhart of Whittier, has been booked on three counts of vehicular manslaughter. He is due in court Tuesday.
Authorities said Lockhart was racing the Dodge Charger down the Santa Ana Freeway when his car hit the big rig, which caused the truck to lose control.
Four people were critically hurt in the accident. The California Highway Patrol is still looking for the second street-racer.
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