Why it's trending
The chase gained sudden interest due to dramatic live footage showing dirt bike riders popping wheelies dangerously close to the suspect's SUV on the 110 Freeway, as well as the suspect's reckless driving. The incident also raised concerns about public safety and police tactics.
A high-speed chase through Los Angeles on Tuesday ended when the suspect, driving a reportedly stolen white Mercedes-Benz SUV, entered a downtown parking garage after a series of dangerous maneuvers, including a close encounter with dirt bike riders on the 110 Freeway. The pursuit began around 6 p.m. on the 405 Freeway and lasted approximately 30 minutes, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) pursued the suspect, who was possibly armed with a handgun, after initial reports suggested the vehicle was stolen from the Laguna Beach area. During the chase, the suspect drove on the right shoulder of the 405, exited onto surface streets in Del Rey, and later sped eastbound on Slauson Avenue in Hyde Park, running red lights and using oncoming lanes. Both ABC7 and KTLA reported the suspect's erratic behavior.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., the suspect merged onto the northbound 110 Freeway, where nearly a dozen dirt bike riders surrounded the SUV. Motorcyclists performed wheelies, with some passing within feet of the vehicle. ABC7 described this as 'one of the chase's most harrowing moments.' The suspect then exited the freeway and drove into a parking structure at Hill and Eighth streets. Police established a perimeter and launched a search for the suspect.
No injuries were reported, and the suspect remained at large as of Tuesday evening. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about high-speed pursuits in urban areas and the risks posed to bystanders. Similar chases in Los Angeles have prompted debates over police pursuit policies, especially when suspects drive recklessly in populated areas.
Timeline
- Chase begins on 405 Freeway
The suspect, driving a reportedly stolen white Mercedes-Benz SUV, leads LAPD on a high-speed chase, using the right shoulder of the southbound 405 near Culver Boulevard to pass traffic. (Source: ABC7)
- Chase moves to surface streets
The suspect exits the freeway and drives through Del Rey and Hyde Park, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and moving into oncoming lanes. (Source: ABC7)
- Dangerous encounter with dirt bike riders on 110 Freeway
The suspect merges onto the northbound 110 Freeway and is surrounded by nearly a dozen dirt bike riders, some performing wheelies close to the SUV. (Source: ABC7)
- Suspect enters parking garage downtown
The suspect exits the freeway and drives into a parking structure at Hill and Eighth streets in downtown Los Angeles. Police set up a perimeter and search for the suspect. (Sources: ABC7, KTLA)
Questions people ask
What happened during the car chase in Los Angeles?
A suspect driving a reportedly stolen white Mercedes-Benz SUV led LAPD on a high-speed chase through Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. The chase included dangerous encounters with dirt bike riders on the 110 Freeway and ended when the suspect entered a parking garage downtown. Police searched for the suspect, who may be armed.
Was anyone hurt in the chase?
According to ABC7 and KTLA, no injuries were reported during the pursuit.
Was the suspect caught?
As of Tuesday evening, the suspect had not been caught. Police set up a perimeter around the parking garage and were searching for the suspect.
Why was the suspect being chased?
Initial reports indicated the SUV may have been stolen from the Laguna Beach area. The suspect was also possibly armed with a handgun, according to ABC7.
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