Former NASCAR driver Bobby East was stabbed to death at a Southern California gas station, authorities said Saturday. The suspect was later killed by police.
On Wednesday evening, just before 6 p.m. local time, the 37-year-old East was found stabbed in the chest at a gas station in the city of Westminster in Orange County, the department said. Westminster Police in a statement. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died, police said.
The suspect in the stabbing was identified as Trent William Millsap, 27, according to police. At the time of the stabbing, Millsap was also wanted with an unrelated parole order and was on parole for armed robbery. The reason for the stabbing is still unclear.
Investigators later learned that Millsap could be in an apartment in the nearby city of Anaheim, according to police. During a SWAT raid on the apartment Friday, Millsap “turned into a conflict,” causing officers to first deploy a K-9 and then open fire on him, police said. Police did not say if Milsap was armed.
Millsap was injured and taken to a hospital, where he died. The K-9 was also hit by a bullet, but survived, police said.
The United States Auto Club also confirmed East’s death on its website on Saturday, calling him “one of the most prolific drivers of his time.” He was a three-time USAC national champion.
Bobby East, during NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series media day at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2006 in Daytona, Florida. Getty Images
East, whose father was a well-known short-track carmaker, also won the SAC Silver Crown Championships in 2004, 2012 and 2013.
He was just 16 in 2001 when he became the youngest driver to win a prominent USAC National Midget race. He won 15 USAC races in 2004 and ventured into a short race at NASCAR shortly thereafter. He made 11 career starts in what is now NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and reached two top 10 in 31 truck series races.