ALLENTOWN, Pa. – State police said troopers tried to pull over 27-year-old Cristian Jimenez on Lehigh Street in Allentown for a traffic violation a little after midnight Sunday morning.
“When a Ford F150 failed to yield for troopers as they had their lights and sirens activated and a pursuit began,” said Trooper Nathan Branosky.
He said Jimenez stopped in the area of 29th and Lehigh streets where police tried to take him into custody.
That is when Jimenez allegedly hit two troopers when they got out of their car.
Police said the troopers got back in their car and chased Jimenez.
“The vehicle lost control in the area of 12th Street and Vultee Street in Allentown where it struck a fire hydrant, a utility pole and a building and the operator (Jimenez) was ejected from the vehicle,” said Branosky.
Police said the troopers immediately gave Jimenez medical aid.
Jimenez later died at the hospital, according to the coroner.
The two troopers who were injured have been released from the hospital, according to police.
“Troopers are not back on duty. They still have ailments obviously from being struck by the motor vehicle. They’re going to be out of work for a little bit. Unknown when they’re going to come back, but fortunately the injuries were not major,” said Trooper Branosky.
State Police said investigators are reviewing evidence including body worn cameras.
69 News asked police why Jimenez allegedly fled.
“We don’t have that information right now. The primary investigators are looking up if there were any warrants, what the status of the driver’s license is and any reasons that he would be fleeing from troopers at this time,” said Trooper Branosky.
There is no word on what specific violation troopers were trying to pull Jimenez over for.