Over the weekend in Ontario, tragedy struck as two lives were lost in a series of harrowing events involving a suspect fleeing from a domestic violence situation. Among the victims was an innocent driver caught in the chaos.
Newly released footage paints a chilling picture of Sunday’s events. Cars swerved desperately to avoid the suspect, who recklessly drove against traffic on the 60 Freeway while attempting to evade police. The suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Orlando Montes of San Bernardino, eventually collided with other vehicles on surface streets, claiming the life of a woman, Amanda Powers, and injuring another individual.
The ordeal began when Montes arrived at his ex-girlfriend’s residence on Sunday morning, reportedly armed with a handgun and making threats. Police arrived on the scene and spent approximately half an hour trying to persuade Montes to surrender peacefully. However, he refused and fled the scene, initiating a high-speed chase that culminated in his dangerous wrong-way driving on the freeway.
During the chaos, Montes reached out to his mother, expressing his intention to reach her house. Tragically, he never arrived.
Following the freeway incident, Montes crashed into multiple vehicles on surface streets, resulting in the loss of Amanda Powers’ life. Described as a woman with a generous heart, Powers was en route to assist a friend with moving into her new apartment when the collision occurred.
Montes didn’t stop after the fatal crash; instead, he attempted to carjack another vehicle. When confronted by authorities, who were already seeking him on a domestic violence warrant, Montes refused to drop his weapon and was subsequently shot and killed.
According to Montes’ sister, he had been grappling with mental health issues but was striving to improve his life. Despite not seeking professional help, attending church had provided some solace for him.
For those who knew Powers, her untimely death has left a profound void. Deandre Hendrix, a friend since their school days, expressed devastation at the loss, emphasizing that Powers was simply on her way to lend a helping hand when tragedy struck.
In the aftermath of this senseless violence, loved ones mourn the loss of Amanda Powers, remembering her for the kindness and compassion she extended to others.
