Woman Killed In Newark Crash ID'd

NEWARK, CA — A woman killed in a crash Friday in Newark has been identified as 39-year-old Melissa Diamond of Fremont. She died at the intersection of Central Avenue and Cedar Boulevard as she was allegedly fleeing Fremont Police in a stolen vehicle.

Diamond's vehicle crashed into two others. The driver of one of the other vehicles was hospitalized with major injuries. An update on that person's condition is not available.

According to Fremont Police, detectives found an unoccupied stolen vehicle backed into a parking stall at an apartment complex in the area of Central Avenue and Blacow Road. They watched as Diamond walked up to the vehicle and got into the driver’s seat. To stop her from driving away, a detective parked an unmarked police vehicle in front of the suspect’s car.

In a report released to the public, Fremont Police said, "Failing to follow orders, Diamond intentionally began ramming two separate unmarked police vehicles in an attempt to get away. Diamond also attempted to run over one of the detectives standing outside their vehicle. While no Fremont Police officers were injured, one of the unmarked police vehicles was rammed head on and completely totaled."

Diamond managed to drive away, sped westbound on Central Avenue, crossed I-880 and then crashed in Newark. "A detective attempted to catch up with the suspect vehicle as it fled, but did not witness the collision," FPD said.

Newark Police Officer Ryan Johnson is investigating the crash. He told Patch that a final report is not expected for some time. If you witnessed the crash, or if you have a surveillance camera along the route taken by Diamond, email Johnson at ryan.johnson@newark.org

Meanwhile, Fremont detectives are investigating the ramming of the police vehicles and the attempt to run over a detective as a case of assault with a deadly weapon. Contact detectives at 510-790-6800 if you have information that could help.

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