SUSPECT: Danh Thanh Nguyen, 36 Year old, resident of Westminster

WESTMINSTER, Calif. – On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 1145 AM, officers responded to the area of McFadden Avenue and Oakcliff Drive reference an assault investigation. Officers located the suspect, Danh Nguyen, in the area of Bushard Street and Westminster Avenue. Officers attempted to stop Nguyen, however he failed to yield. A short pursuit ensued which ended when Nguyen ran into a small planter wall in the area of Brookhurst Street and Hazard Avenue. Nguyen was detained without further incident and did not sustain any injuries.

An investigation revealed the victim was seated in his vehicle when Nguyen approached him on foot and made a derogatory comment towards Hispanics, then threw a cup of gasoline on him. Nguyen attempted to ignite the gasoline with a lighter, but the victim drove off preventing a fire. Nguyen fled the scene in a vehicle he did not have permission to have. The victim did not know Nguyen prior to the incident and did not sustain any injuries from the gasoline.

Nguyen was booked into the Orange County Jail for 664/187(a) PC, attempt murder, 455(a) PC, attempt arson, and 422.6(a) PC, civil rights violations. The Orange County Fire Authority Arson Unit responded and is assisting with this investigation.

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