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NASCAR driver Bobby East was stabbed to death this week at a California gas station, authorities said, and police fatally shot his alleged killer while investigating Friday’s stabbing.
East, 37, was filling his vehicle at a 76 gas station in Westminster, California, around 6 a.m. Wednesday, when he was confronted by a man and stabbed in the chest, according to authorities. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.
“The victim was found on the ground with a severe stab wound in the chest area,” the Westminster police department wrote in a press release.
Westminster police and the U.S. Auto Club confirmed in press releases that East had been killed.
Police announced that Trent William Millsap, 27, was a suspect in the stabbing. Millsap fled the scene when authorities arrived, according to police. He was described as a potentially “armed and dangerous” transient.
On Saturday, Westminster police said in a press release that police fatally shot Millsap in an Anaheim apartment where the West County SWAT team had gone to issue a court order for him. No officers were injured, but a K-9 police officer suffered a life-threatening bullet wound.
The Department of Justice and the Orange County District Office will investigate the police shooting, according to the press release.
Police said the motive for East’s murder was unknown.
Born December 17, 1984 in Torrance, California, East was the son of USAC Hall of Fame carmaker Bob East. He later moved to Brownsburg, Indiana, to pursue his career in racing, according to USAC.
The car club hailed East, three-time USAC national champion, as “one of the most prolific drivers of his time.” East achieved 56 USAC-approved feature film victories over the course of his career. He competed in dozens of races for NASCAR as part of his Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series between 2005 and 2008, according to racing news site Frontstretch.
The world of car racing used social media to mourn the loss of the Orient.
“He was a man on wheels,” tweeted Todd Bodine, a two-time NASCAR champion and Fox Sports analyst.
Charles Krall, who worked with East during his career, explained how much he enjoyed watching the rider run.
“In an open-wheeled car, there was no one better,” Krall wrote.
Our team is incredibly sad to hear today’s news about Bobby East.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/rLh5iE81wd
– RFK Racing (@RFKracing) July 16, 2022
I have the best memories of working with Bobby East. In an open wheeled car, there was no one better. I’m sorry to hear the news today. My love and thoughts are with her parents, Bob and Janice, and the entire East family. Peace race Bobby 🏁 pic.twitter.com/jNh8RFuwPL
– Charles Krall (@ChasKrall) July 15, 2022