Newport Pier Car Chase: High-Speed Drama Ends in Tragic Shooting

A high-speed car chase from Santa Ana to Newport Beach ended in a fatal shooting near the pier. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Jose Velasquez, was shot and killed by police after a violent confrontation. The incident began with a murder in Riverside County and involved multiple law enforcement agencies.

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, a dramatic and tragic event unfolded in Newport Beach, California. The incident began in Menifee, Riverside County, where police responded to a home on Mesa Edge Court after reports of gunshots. They found the body of 38-year-old Storm Wolf, later identified as the victim.
Detectives identified 45-year-old Jose Velasquez as the suspect and believed he might have fled to Santa Ana, nearly 60 miles away. Menifee Police contacted Santa Ana Police for assistance, and officers found Velasquez in a car on N. Freeman Street. When they tried to stop him, Velasquez drove off, leading to a high-speed chase.
The chase continued until Velasquez arrived at the end of the Newport Beach Pier around 7 a.m. While the exact sequence of events is unclear, police shot and killed Velasquez. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The pier was briefly closed but has since reopened as officials investigate the shooting.
The incident highlights the dangers and complexities of police chases, which often end in tragic outcomes. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the Menifee Police Department.

What was the initial incident that led to the car chase?
The initial incident was a murder in Menifee, Riverside County, where the body of 38-year-old Storm Wolf was found.
Who was the suspect in the car chase?
The suspect was identified as 45-year-old Jose Velasquez.
Where did the car chase end?
The car chase ended at the Newport Beach Pier.
What happened to the suspect at the pier?
The suspect was shot and killed by police at the pier.
Is the pier open after the incident?
The pier was briefly closed but has since reopened.

The Newport Pier car chase and shooting serve as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences of high-speed police pursuits. The incident highlights the need for careful and coordinated law enforcement strategies to minimize such tragic outcomes.