CHP releases 911 call in officer's fiery crash

Warning of graphic content. visit http://911copcrash.co.cc if you wish to hear the full recording. SAN DIEGO – A harrowing 911 call made by a passenger in a fated Lexus that crashed seconds later and killed four people Aug. 28 was released Thursday by the California Highway Patrol. In the 50-second tape, crash victim Chris Lastrella begins by telling the dispatcher: “We're in a Lexus ... we're going north (state Route) 125 and our accelerator is stuck.” The dispatcher asks where they are passing, and Lastrella is heard asking someone in the car where they are. He exclaims: “We're going 120 (mph)! Mission Gorge! We're in trouble – we can't – there's no brakes, MissionGorge ... end freeway half mile.” The dispatcher asks if they can turn the car off. Lastrella doesn't answer and says repeatedly: “We are now approaching the intersection, we're approaching the intersection, we're approaching the intersection.” The last sounds heard on the tape are someone saying “hold on” and “pray.” Lastrella says: “Oh shoot ... oh ... oh” Then a woman screams. Killed in the crash were CHP officer Mark Saylor and his wife Cleofe who were both 45, their 13-year-old daughter Mahala, and Lastrella, 38, who was Cleofe Saylor's brother. All four lived in Chula Vista. A preliminary investigation into its cause has indicated the accelerator may have become entrapped by a rubber floor mat, sheriff's Sgt. Scott Hill said. The car was a loaner from Bob Baker Lexus El Cajon. Hill did not know if Saylor tried to shift the vehicle into neutral or turn it off – actions safety experts say may have been impossible if the car was experiencing a malfunction. The shut-off button on the car must be held for three seconds to turn the car off, experts said. Dave Ezratty, vice president of Bob Baker Lexus El Cajon, said Wednesday that the dealer was refraining from commenting until the investigation into the accident is completed. Investigators with the Nation Highway Safety Transportation Administration looked at the vehicle last week. ...