A hectic police chase across Los Angeles County concluded when a driver in a stolen box truck was apprehended after a destructive escapade on Saturday night. The suspect, who had commandeered the large vehicle, led authorities through a harrowing chase that snaked through Garden Grove, Cerritos, Lakewood and ended in Long Beach.
The pursuit, involving a box truck reported stolen, kicked off just before 6:30 p.m. According to FOX LA, the driver barreled through traffic, careening into at least one car, and tearing off the other vehicle's bumper. The chaos continued as the driver veered through parking lots and over curbs back onto the streets, even attempting to reverse into a police cruiser during the pursuit.
As reported by NBC Los Angeles, the chase reached its climax when the driver lost control and struck a center median, tearing down a light pole and subsequently colliding with two parked cars. Arleen Macias, whose car bore the brunt of the impact, said, "The truck was wedged between my car and another car. Spun my car around. Yeah, my car got most of the beating." She expressed relief at not being in the vehicle, emphasizing, "I’m OK, my brother’s OK and that’s all there is to it. I mean a car can be replaced, it can be fixed, I’m just so glad we weren’t in it."
The pursuit finally came to a stop near W. Wardlow Road and Pacific Place in Long Beach, where officers swarmed the truck and subdued the driver with the help of a K-9 unit after he threw an object at them, and refused to exit the vehicle. Pepper balls and less-than-lethal rounds were deployed to coax the resistant driver out. Despite multiple attempts, it took two deployments of the police dog before the driver was successfully taken into custody.
Authorities have not revealed the identity of the driver or detailed the charges they face.
