A driver stopped to pump gas during a police pursuit across Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley on Friday, Aug. 21, then returned to the road and eventually crashed head-on into a California Highway Patrol SUV.
Los Angeles Police Department officers began pursuing the black Honda at about 10:12 a.m. near Oxnard Street and Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood, according to CBS Los Angeles. An LAPD spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times that the driver matched the description of a burglary suspect and did not stop for officers.
The pursuit continued for more than an hour through several neighborhoods and on and off the 405 Freeway. Aerial footage showed the Honda running red lights, cutting through traffic and entering a parking garage at California State University, Northridge.
The chase ended when the driver went the wrong way on the 405 and collided with the CHP SUV near Nordhoff Street. He ran from the Honda and down an embankment before officers caught him and took him into custody. No injuries were reported.
The Driver Made a Mid-Chase Gas Stop
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At one point, the driver pulled into an Arco station near Nordhoff Street and began refueling the Honda.
An LAPD patrol vehicle arrived while he was still there, but the driver quickly left and continued the pursuit.
A Motorcyclist Tried To Intervene
A motorcyclist also became involved after nearly colliding with the Honda. Video showed the rider following the car, gesturing toward the driver and attempting to open its passenger-side door when the Honda stopped at an intersection.
The Honda sped away before the rider could get inside. CBS Los Angeles reported that police took the motorcyclist into custody for interfering with the pursuit. LAPD also warned that members of the public should not follow pursuit vehicles or attempt to intervene.
A Spike Strip Failed To Stop the Honda
Another vehicle struck the Honda at a Granada Hills intersection before officers successfully deployed a spike strip. Despite at least one damaged tire, the driver continued onto the 405.
The driver’s name and any formal charges have not been released as of Aug. 24. Police also have not released additional information about the burglary that initially prompted the pursuit.