NASCAR celebrity Bobby East fatally stabbed, suspect killed by police

Former NASCAR driver Bobby East was fatally stabbed at a California gas station this week, and the man who stabbed him was shot and killed by police on Frida.

East, who was only 37, was a three-time US Auto Club National Champion, and competed in NASCAR events from 2005 to 2008. East was allegedly stabbed at an Orange County gas station on Wednesday night by 27-year old Trent William Millsap. Police were called to the gas station where they found East on the ground suffering from a “serious stab wound to the chest area,” authorities said in a statement. 

Millsap fled the scene prior to the arrival of the authorities, but police informed the public he should be considered armed and dangerous and that he had an active warrant out already for an unrelated parole violation. Police located Millsap at an Anaheim apartment, where they attempted to apprehend him but a shoot-out resulted, and Millsap was shot. He was transported to a hospital but later died of his injuries.

Police said during the incident that Millsap “became confrontational with officers and a police K-9 was deployed.” Police also indicated a K-9 officer had been injured in the shoot-out.

Other NASCAR personalities responded to East’s untimely death on social media. “Very sad to hear of the tragic incident involving Legend USAC driver Bobby East,” said two-time champion Todd Bodine on Twitter. “He was one heck of a wheelman.”

NASCAR issued a statement on East’s passing this weekend. “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,” the organization said.