NASCAR racer Bobby East has been murdered at a gas station in California, local police have confirmed.
The 37-year-old driver and three-time United States Auto Club champion was taken to hospital after allegedly being stabbed in the chest whilst filling up his car in Westminster on Wednesday, where he died of his injuries.
27-year-old Trent William Millsap has been arrested on suspicion of his murder.
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In a statement, Westminster Police said: “The victim was found on the ground suffering from a serious stab wound to the chest area,
“Officers attempted life saving measures until OCFA paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local trauma center, where the victim succumbed to his injury.”
Millsap has been described as a white male around six feet tall, bald and muscular, with a number of tattoos on his face and body.
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According to the police: "Millsap also has an outstanding parole warrant.
“He should be considered armed and dangerous.
“Millsap is transient and known to frequent Westminster, Garden Grove, and Anaheim motels."
Investigations into the alleged murder are ongoing.
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East was a star in NASCAR between 2005 and 2008, and the US Auto Club shared a statement after his untimely death.
They wrote: "Bobby East, one of the most prolific drivers of his era and a three-time USAC National Champion driver in USAC Silver Crown and Midgets, passed away on the night of July 13, 2022, in southern California."
"Born in Torrance, California but making his home throughout his racing career in Brownsburg, Indiana, East captured 56 career USAC-sanctioned feature victories, 48 of them in national divisions."
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Tributes have been paid to the driver online, with Charles Krall, Communications Manager at the Automobile Racing Club of America writing: "I have the best memories of working with Bobby East.
"In an open wheel car, there was no one better. So sorry to hear the news today.
"My love and thoughts are with his parents Bob and Janice, and the entire East family. Race in peace Bobby."
Speed Sport wrote on Twitter: "Please keep the East family in your thoughts,"
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A talented driver from a young age, East was the youngest driver to win a national feature race in Indiana at age 16.
He then claimed three USAC National wins, as well as a slew of other honours throughout his career.
East had also worked as part of Ford’s driver development programme and participated in the NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Tom Wood