A driver in a reportedly stolen SUV led Los Angeles police on a high-speed chase Tuesday afternoon, marked by several dangerous encounters. The pursuit began when officers spotted the white Mercedes-Benz on the 110 Freeway near Culver Boulevard.
The suspect weaved through traffic, exited the freeway, and continued onto surface streets in the Del Rey area. According to initial reports, the SUV may have been stolen in the Laguna Beach area. The suspect was possibly armed with a handgun.
At one point, the driver sped along Slauson Avenue in the Hyde Park area, running red lights and moving into empty oncoming lanes. About five minutes later, in one of the chase’s most harrowing moments, the SUV encountered nearly a dozen dirt bike riders as it re-entered the northbound 110 Freeway. The suspect merged onto the freeway while being passed closely by the motorcyclists, some of whom were popping wheelies.
The pursuit eventually ended when the suspect drove into a parking garage near A. Hill and Eighth streets. Police immediately set up a perimeter and launched a search for the suspect.
