LOS ANGELES, CA – A suspected car thief was taken into custody Monday afternoon after leading California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers on a lengthy pursuit through multiple areas of Los Angeles County, including the San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles, and Exposition Park, authorities said.
The pursuit involved a gray GMC truck that was reported stolen in Carson City, Nevada, according to CHP officials. Authorities were also tracking a second stolen GMC truck, but only the gray vehicle was actively pursued after the second suspect was apprehended earlier near Lankershim Boulevard and Cahuenga Boulevard.
Investigators stated that both stolen vehicles were being monitored remotely by a dealership tracking system, which provided real-time location data to law enforcement, aiding in the pursuit operation.
The chase began in the northern parts of Los Angeles County and moved south along the 5 Freeway at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour, with the driver weaving dangerously between vehicles, officials said.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., aerial footage captured the suspect transitioning to the 2 Freeway before continuing onto the 134 Freeway and then returning to the 5 Freeway. Shortly after 1 p.m., the driver exited the freeway and began navigating surface streets in downtown Los Angeles, weaving through traffic before merging onto the 110 Freeway heading southbound.
“He’s essentially made his way down from north of the 126 Freeway, took the 5 Freeway into the San Fernando Valley, briefly transitioned to the 2 Freeway, and now he’s on the 110 Freeway heading toward Exposition Park,” said an observer during the pursuit.
After leaving the 110 Freeway, the suspect continued through the Exposition Park area near the University of Southern California. Witnesses reported seeing the truck driving at high speeds along Exposition Boulevard before momentarily losing control on Vermont Avenue.
The chase reached its conclusion near Halldale Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard, where the suspect suddenly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving the truck still in drive. It was unclear whether the vehicle struck any objects during the abandonment, but authorities quickly pursued the suspect.
CHP officers, with their weapons drawn, apprehended the suspect in a driveway and took him into custody without further incident. No other individuals were seen exiting the truck, and officials confirmed there were no passengers involved.
The identity of the suspect has not yet been released, and investigators are working to determine whether the arrested individual is connected to the second stolen truck that was recovered earlier in the San Fernando Valley.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect may face multiple charges, including grand theft auto, reckless driving, and evading police. Additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Southern Division at 323-259-3200. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details about the suspect’s court appearance or bail status were immediately available.
