A late-night pursuit involving a stolen vehicle ended in a deadly crash Sunday, Nov. 16, leaving one suspect dead, another critically injured, and a Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) deputy hospitalized, authorities said.
Nathaniel Landa
According to the Porterville Police Department, the incident began at 11:56 p.m. when officers responded to the area of Plano Street and Mulberry Avenue to assist TCSO deputies in locating a reported stolen vehicle. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to yield, sparking a short pursuit through the west side of Porterville.
Suspect Rammed Deputy’s Patrol Vehicle
During the chase, a TCSO deputy positioned in the area was struck when the suspect intentionally rammed the deputy’s patrol vehicle. The deputy was not injured in the initial collision.
Nathaniel Landa, Bishop, CA GoFundMe
Nathaniel Landa, Bishop, CA GoFundMe
Shortly afterward, a Porterville Police officer spotted the suspect vehicle traveling at high speed near Westfield Avenue and Newcomb Street. When the officer activated emergency lights and sirens, the driver again refused to stop and continued eastbound toward Prospect Street.
Fatal Collision and Vehicle Fire
The suspect vehicle entered the intersection of Westfield Avenue and Prospect Street, where it collided with another TCSO patrol vehicle traveling southbound. The impact pushed the suspect car into the yard of a nearby residence, where it erupted into flames.
Two occupants were inside the suspect vehicle at the time of the crash. One of them, 17-year-old Nathaniel Michael Landa, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second occupant was transported to a local hospital with major injuries.
The TCSO deputy involved in the second collision also suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.
Road Closures and Ongoing Investigation
Prospect Street and Westfield Avenue remain closed as investigators process the scene. Officials estimate the roads will remain shut down for several hours and urge motorists to use alternate routes.
The Porterville Police Department said the investigation is active and more information will be released when available.
Family Mourns the Loss of 17-Year-Old Nathaniel Landa
Nathaniel’s family shared their grief publicly, confirming his death just hours after the crash.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that Heaven gained another angel,” his mother wrote. “My son, Nathaniel Michael Landa, was in a vehicle accident in the late night of November 16, 2025, and has passed away in Porterville, CA.”
Nathaniel was born Nov. 16, 2008, in Bishop, California, to Felis and his mother, who said they “welcomed Nate into this world” on that day—making the date of his passing also his 17th birthday.
Community members expressed condolences as the family begins to navigate an unimaginable loss. GoFundMe
His father and I would like to bring Nate back home to Bishop, CA, in Inyo County. It’s devastating news having to bear the loss of a child and pay thousands of dollars financially. We are asking for donations to help us through this tragic time for funeral costs and transportation to get Nate back home.
