A suspected carjacker’s brazen two-and-a-half-hour flight from police came to a painful end Friday when a K-9 unit took him down after a sprawling chase from the Inland Empire into Los Angeles County.
The pursuit began in Fontana, where police identified the driver of a white pickup truck as wanted in connection with a possible carjacking, according to the California Highway Patrol.
From there, the suspect sped westbound on the 10 Freeway, cutting across the San Gabriel Valley and reaching Los Angeles around 12:45 p.m.
CHP units joined the chase at about 1:15 p.m. As officers trailed him, the driver repeatedly swerved through traffic, blasted through red lights and even drove against oncoming lanes.
A wild police chase was under way in Los Angeles Friday as cops pursued a suspect in a stolen white pickup truck.
At times, he stuck his hand out of the window, possibly making vulgar gestures or signals.
Authorities first attempted to stop the truck with spike strips, but the driver maneuvered around them.
Former law enforcement officer Tim Lynn, speaking during a live interview on KTLA, said spike strips are typically the safest option for a large vehicle like a pickup, while PIT maneuvers on tight streets crowded with cars and pedestrians can put others at risk.
At times, he stuck his hand out of the window, possibly making vulgar gestures or signals.
For a stretch, the suspect appeared to circle around downtown Los Angeles, covering significant ground far from where the chase first erupted in Fontana.
Around 10 minutes after 1:40 p.m., officers carried out a PIT maneuver near South Boyle Avenue and East 8th Street, spinning the pickup.
The driver quickly shifted into reverse and slipped away before patrol cars could box him in. Damage to the rear of the truck was visible as he continued.
Instead of steering clear of congestion, the suspect reentered freeway traffic and pressed on.
The chase was finally brought under control in Lynwood around 2:24 p.m., when another set of spike strips was deployed.
This time, the truck slowed long enough for officers to surround it.
The suspect jumped out and tried to run.
The chase was finally brought under control in Lynwood around 2:24 p.m., when another set of spike strips was deployed. FOX11
A police dog was released and latched onto the fleeing man, bringing him to the ground as officers moved in to arrest him. FOX11A police dog was released and latched onto the fleeing man, bringing him to the ground as officers moved in to arrest him.
Despite the dangerous and lengthy pursuit, authorities said no officers or bystanders were injured. FOX11Despite the dangerous and lengthy pursuit, authorities said no officers or bystanders were injured.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
