Tragic Pittsburgh Crash: Villamalia Polina Tu’ipulotu Killed, Fiancé Beaux Tagaloa Critically Injured in Police Pursuit Collision
A high-speed police chase in Pittsburg, California, turned fatal early Sunday morning, March 23, 2025, when a suspect vehicle crashed into an uninvolved car, killing a passenger and leaving her fiancé critically injured, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Deadly Pursuit Ends in Tragedy
The crash occurred around 12:40 a.m. when CHP officers attempted to stop a stolen gray Infiniti after its driver allegedly ran a red light. The driver, believed to be armed with a handgun, refused to pull over and sped away at over 100 mph on State Road 4, east of Bailey Road.
Officers caught up with the Infiniti on Railroad Avenue, but the driver fled again, leading authorities on a brief, high-speed chase that lasted just over a minute. The pursuit came to a violent end at the intersection of East Leland Road and Gladstone Drive, where the suspect vehicle crashed into an uninvolved car.
Victims Identified
Tragically, the passenger in the uninvolved vehicle was killed on impact. She was later identified by family members as Villamalia Polina Tu’ipulotu. Her fiancé, Beaux Tagaloa, who was driving the vehicle, was severely injured and remains in critical condition.
“Our family suffered a tragic loss,” Tu’ipulotu’s loved ones shared in a heartbreaking statement. “Our beautiful sister, Villamalia, along with her fiancé, Beaux, was on her way home from a family gathering when they were struck by another vehicle that was evading the police in a high-speed chase. Ultimately, our sister lost her life, and her fiancé remains in critical condition.”
Investigation Underway
Emergency responders transported both drivers—the suspect and Tagaloa—to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the severity of their injuries.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is now investigating the pursuit and fatal crash, while the Pittsburg Police Department leads the criminal investigation into the suspect driver.
Due to the fatal nature of the incident, CHP has also activated its Fatal Incident Protocol, a standard procedure when a pursuit results in a loss of life.
Community in Mourning
The loss of Villamalia Polina Tu’ipulotu has devastated her family, friends, and community, who are now rallying around Beaux Tagaloa as he fights for his life.
This tragic event raises renewed questions about high-speed police pursuits and their potential risks to innocent bystanders.
GoFundMeMe: Rest in Peace Villamalia Polina Tu’ipulotu. Obituary and funeral memorial plans soon…..
