Porterville, CA — A high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle ended tragically Sunday night, Nov. 16, with one suspect dead, another critically injured, and a Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) deputy hospitalized, authorities confirmed. The incident began at 11:56 p.m. when officers were called to assist TCSO deputies in locating a stolen vehicle in Porterville.
The driver of the stolen vehicle, a 17-year-old identified as Nathaniel Michael Landa, refused to stop when officers attempted to make a traffic stop, sparking a brief chase through the west side of Porterville. During the pursuit, the suspect rammed a TCSO deputy’s patrol vehicle but the officer was unharmed in the initial collision.
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The chase continued, with the suspect vehicle reaching high speeds near Westfield Avenue and Newcomb Street. The suspect again ignored officers’ attempts to stop, driving east toward Prospect Street. At the intersection of Westfield Avenue and Prospect Street, the suspect vehicle collided with a southbound TCSO patrol car. The impact pushed the suspect vehicle into a nearby yard, where it caught fire.
Landa, who was in the passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second occupant was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The TCSO deputy involved in the second collision also sustained moderate injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash, and it remains unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role. The area around Prospect Street and Westfield Avenue remains closed as investigators process the scene, and authorities have advised motorists to seek alternate routes.
In a heartbreaking twist, Nathaniel Landa’s family revealed that he died on his 17th birthday. His mother shared her grief publicly, writing, “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that Heaven gained another angel.” Nathaniel was born on November 16, 2008, and tragically passed away on the same date in 2025.
As the family struggles with the devastating loss, they have set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and transportation to bring Nathaniel back home to Bishop, CA. The community has rallied in support, offering condolences and financial assistance during this heartbreaking time.