A driver suspected of operating a stolen vehicle led law enforcement on a dangerous pursuit across Los Angeles County Monday afternoon, ending in a crash in Echo Park.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department initially began the pursuit, but ground units pulled back after the suspect entered the northbound 110 Freeway.
Despite the tactical retreat, the driver continued weaving through lanes of rush-hour traffic, reaching speeds over 70 mph and using the shoulder to bypass vehicles.
Once off the freeway and in downtown Los Angeles, the suspect ran red lights, nearly collided with other motorists, and reversed into oncoming traffic before heading through Chinatown. At one point, the driver briefly pulled into a parking structure before backing out and continuing to flee.
The pursuit came to a halt near Glendale Boulevard and Park Avenue when the suspect ran a red light and collided with an uninvolved driver, slamming into a light pole.
The suspect abandoned the wrecked vehicle and attempted to walk away but was quickly arrested by California Highway Patrol officers nearby. The suspect’s identity has not been released.
