Woman driving stolen car killed after short chase with Gilroy Police

A 28-year-old woman died Saturday afternoon following a short police chase in a stolen car, according to the Gilroy Police Department.

The stolen car was first spotted on First Street and Wren Avenue in Gilroy around 2:30 p.m. The driver of the vehicle initially stopped for the officer but then sped off driving southbound on Wren Avenue, police said. Moments into the chase, the driver, who police say had outstanding warrants from two nearby counties, crashed into a tree.

The solo-occupant was trapped inside the vehicle with major injuries, police said. Officers said they provided life saving measures as the Gilroy Fire Department arrived and extricated her from the vehicle.

The woman, identified as Rya Leonard, was taken to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries, police said.