Suspect in Slaying of NASCAR Driver Was Wanted on Parole Violation

Trent William Millsap, a suspect in the stabbing death of Bobby East, is seen in an undated photo provided by police. Westminster Police Department

WESTMINSTER, Calif.—A 27-year-old transient suspected of killing former NASCAR driver Bobby East at an Orange County gas station was an ex-con who was wanted for a parole violation, authorities said.

Trent William Millsap, a transient known to frequent Westminster, Garden Grove, and Anaheim, was fatally shot by police during the serving of a search warrant on July 15 in Anaheim, police said.

According to the Westminster Police Department, Millsap was on parole for armed robbery and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for an unrelated parole violation.

East, 37, was filling up his tank at around 5:45 p.m. July 13 at the 76 gas station at 6322 Westminster Boulevard. He apparently had words with Millsap, who allegedly stabbed him in the chest.

East was rushed to UCI Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

L - Bobby East poses for a photograph at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Fla., on Feb. 9, 2006. (Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images); R - Bobby East drives the #21 car during NASCAR practice in Sparta, Ky., on July 7, 2006. Joe Robbins/Getty Images for NASCAR

Westminster police received information Friday that Millsap was in an apartment in the 3300 block of Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim, said Commander Kevin MacCormick of the police department.

A SWAT team was sent to the location and during the service of a search warrant, a shooting involving police and the suspect occurred, leaving a police dog with a single gunshot wound, which was considered non-life-threatening, MacCormick said.

“During the service of the warrant, the West County SWAT Team encountered [Millsap]. He became confrontational with officers and a police K-9 was deployed. Subsequently an officer-involved shooting occurred,” Westminster police said Saturday.

Millsap was taken to UCI Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

The K-9 has since been released from the vet and is at home with his handler recovering and doing well, police added.

East, a native of Torrance and a resident of San Dimas, raced on the NASCAR, U.S. Auto Club (USAC), and Automobile Racing Club of America circuits. He was a three-time USAC champion.

“NASCAR is saddened to learn of the tragic death of Bobby East,” a NASCAR statement said. “We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bobby, a true racer.”

Anyone with information on the stabbing was asked to call the police at 714-548-3212. Orange County Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips at 855-TIP-OCCS.