Suspect Linked To NASCAR star Bobby East’s Death Killed By Police
Topics: US News, Crime, no-article-matching
Poppy Bilderbeck
Featured Image Credit: USAC Racing/Westminster Police
Topics: US News, Crime, no-article-matching
Police have revealed that the prime suspect of Bobby East's death has been killed.
NASCAR racer Bobby East was attacked at a gas station in California on Wednesday, 13 July, 2022. The 37-year-old was rushed to hospital but went on to sadly pass away from his injuries.
An arrest warrant was later issued on Friday, 15 July, for 27-year-old Trent William Millsap.
However, police have since reported that Millsap has died.
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Millsap was a 'transient and known to frequent Westminster, Garden Groce and Anaheim motels,' according to Westminster PD.
He was also noted as being 'armed and dangerous' and 'on parole for armed robbery and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for an unrelated parole violation'.
A SWAT team was subsequently sent - because of the 'level of violence [the prime suspect] had been exhibiting' - to serve Millsap with a search warrant.
Millsap is reported as having become confrontational when being served the search warrant and police stated they heard gunshots.
"No officers were injured; however, a police K-9 sustained a single gunshot wound that was not life threatening," they said.
Millsap was taken to a local trauma centre, however, he later passed away.
East was a three-time United States Auto Club champion.
In response to his passing, the US Auto Club called East 'one of the most prolific drivers of his era'.
Our team is incredibly sad to learn today’s news about Bobby East.
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) July 16, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/rLh5iE81wd
"Born in Torrance, Calif., but making his home throughout his racing career in Brownsburg, Ind., East captured 56 career USAC-sanctioned feature victories, 48 of them in national divisions.
"In all, East racked up three USAC national driving titles, starting in 2004 with the USAC National Midgets and twice more with back-to-back USAC Silver Crown championships in 2012 and 2013," it continued.
Tributes have also been flooding in for East on social media.
"Absolutely devastated to hear former Busch series driver and 3 time USAC sprint car champion Bobby East was murdered at a California convenience store today. Prayers go out to the entire East family. God bless them," one fan said.
Rest in Peace #BobbyEast pic.twitter.com/SDmH2WaXAv
— Storm (@StormEnchantra) July 17, 2022
Another wrote: "Bobby East was one heck of a racer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the East family."
NASCAR stated: "NASCAR is saddened to learn of the tragic death of Bobby East. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bobby, a true racer."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677