Driver dies while fleeing police

A driver fleeing from police died after the stolen vehicle she was driving crashed into a tree, Gilroy Police reported.

The driver, identified as Rya Leonard, 28, died after being transported to a trauma center.

According to police, a Gilroy Police officer tried to stop a stolen vehicle about 2:25 p.m. Saturday near First Street and Wren Avenue. The driver initially cooperated then sped off southbound on Wren, police reported.

With the officer in pursuit, the fleeing driver crashed into a tree at the intersection of Wren Avenue and San Miguel Street.

Trapped inside the car, the driver suffered major injuries. Police and firefighters provided first aid, extricated her from the vehicle and “worked tirelessly to save the driver’s life,” according to a police statement.

However, she died at a hospital. Initial investigation indicates that she was not wearing a seat belt, police reported.

Leonard, who has ties to Gilroy and San Benito County, was found to have outstanding arrest warrants from two nearby counties, according to police. She was on probation in Santa Clara County for buying or receiving a stolen vehicle, police reported.

Those with information about the incident can call the Gilroy Police Department’s major accident investigation team at 408846-0350.