Former NASCAR driver Bobby East has died at the age of 37 after he was stabbed at a gas station.
Officers from Westminster Police Department responded to a report of an attack at a local 76 gas station in the Orange County area of California on Wednesday evening.
PEOPLE reports that East had been fueling his vehicle when he was attacked.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the NASCAR star "on the ground" and "suffering from a serious stab wound to the chest area", per a press release from the police department.
Officers then attempted life-saving measures while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. Officials added that despite East being transported to a local trauma center "the victim succumbed to his injury".
Although police did not name East in their report, The Washington Post states that the United States Auto Club confirmed East as the victim.
Following the attack, police had been searching for 27-year-old Trent William Millsap, who was found to have an outstanding parole warrant and was "considered armed and dangerous". On Friday, the Westminster Police Department revealed in another press release that
On Friday, Westminster Police Department shared via another press release that they received a tip about "a wanted homicide suspect" who was in an apartment on Lincoln Avenue in the City of Anaheim.
Per PEOPLE, a shootout broke out when the West County SWAT team served the suspect a warrant and attempted to arrest him. Millsap was killed in the officer-involved shooting.
A police dog was also shot during the altercation, but did not sustain serious injuries.
"The Westminster Police Department, along with members of the Orange County District Attorney’s office are currently investigating the shooting," a second press release adds.
Bobby East is the son of USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, East became the youngest driver to ever win a feature USAC National Midget race in 2001. He was just 16 at the time.
East was a three-time champion on the US Auto Club circuit, winner of the 2012 and 2013 SAC Silver Crown championships, and made 11 career starts in what is now NASCAR’s Xfinity Series.
NASCAR paid tribute to the former driver in a statement, saying: "NASCAR is saddened to learn of the tragic death of Bobby East. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bobby, a true racer."
Former Truck Series champion Todd Bodine also paid tribute to East, tweeting: "Very sad to hear of the tragic incident involving Legend USAC driver Bobby East. He was one heck of a wheelman."
Our thoughts go out to East's family, friends, and fans at this time.