Lego thief allegedly ‘high’ during police pursuit that killed Southern California woman

A 43-year-old Orange County man is facing more than 26 years in prison after stealing Lego boxes and leading police in a high-speed chase that ultimately left an innocent 67-year-old woman dead, officials announced Monday.  

The tragic Dec. 18 incident began at an Albertson’s grocery store in Fullerton where a plainclothes police officer spotted the suspect, Anaheim resident Anthony Michael Hanzal, stuffing Lego boxes into a bag and leaving the store without paying.  

The officer, according to a news release from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, followed the 43-year-old in his car and requested a marked patrol cruiser make a traffic stop.  

“When the uniformed police officer tried to pull the suspected thief over, he made a quick right turn on Brookhurst [Road] and sped off,” the release noted.  

Hanzal, who was reportedly under the influence of drugs, rearended a vehicle sitting at stoplight at Brookhurst Road and Orangethorpe Avenue before getting on the westbound 91 Freeway.  

He exited at Knott Avenue in Buena Park where he hit speeds of 90 miles per hour as officers trailed him into the city of La Palma, authorities said.  

At La Palma Avenue and Moody Street, the 43-year-old is accused of running a redlight and violently crashing into a blue BMW, instantly killing Marianne Casey, a resident of La Palma, who was behind the wheel.  

A nearby security camera, as well as another driver’s dashcam captured the moment of impact.

“Enough is enough. Actions have consequences and I am mad as hell that an elderly woman is dead because a drug addicted repeat thief decided to steal Legos from a grocery store and then lead multiple police agencies on a high-speed chase through Orange County in the middle of the day,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Marianne Casey’s family should be planning their holiday celebrations and instead they are planning a funeral.” 

Hanzal has been formally charged with felony gross vehicle manslaughter while intoxicated under the influence of drugs, a felony count of evading a peace officer causing death and a felony count of petty theft with two prior convictions.  

If convicted as charged, the 43-year-old, who is being held without bail, faces up to 26 years and four months in state prison.  

His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 26 at the North Justice Center in Fullerton.