A couple that was apparently wanted for questioning in connection with a recent shoplifting incident in New York were fleeing from authorities when they added to the list of crimes they were accused of committing. In their rush to get away, they allegedly caused a car accident. Two people are dead because of the accident, and another one is still in critical condition.

According to reports, the two people riding in a Camry were wanted in connection with a shoplifting complaint at Walmart. Apparently, the store's security personnel had described the car to police, and when authorities saw the car several blocks north of the store and attempted to pull the car over, the driver sped off. The police officer decided not to pursue the Camry, as he had called in the car's plate numbers to the dispatcher, and because weather was starting to make the roads treacherous.

According to witness reports, the Camry was weaving in and out of traffic. Witnesses also report that the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed and at times took to driving on the wrong side of the road to avoid traffic signals. Roughly 12 blocks away from where authorities stopped chasing the Camry, the driver lost all control over the vehicle and crashed into a Saturn. The woman in the Camry was declared dead at the scene. The man driving the Camry sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

A mother and her young son were traveling in the Saturn. The toddler sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Tragically, he died about an hour later. His mother received only minor injuries in the accident but will now be left to grieve her son's untimely loss.

A fatal car accident is a tragedy no matter when it occurs. It is especially painful this close to the holidays, particularly for a mother who has lost her young son. While it was not immediately reported what criminal charges might be filed against the driver of the Camry, it is likely that some will be forthcoming. Additionally, negligent drivers can be held accountable for their actions under New York civil law, meaning that victims may be able to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering through the filing of personal injury or wrongful death claims.

Source: democratandchronicle.com, Toddler, woman die in Dewey Ave. crash, Steve Orr and Chad Roberts, Dec. 14, 2013