A late-night police chase in the San Fernando Valley ended in a violent crash in Reseda on Saturday, leaving at least one Los Angeles Police Department officer injured and trapped inside a patrol car. Firefighters and paramedics treated three people at the scene, with two reported in critical condition and a third in fair condition. Authorities said the pursuit started after a report of a possible DUI, and the suspected driver was later taken into custody.
According to CBS Los Angeles, the crash happened around 10:25 p.m. in the 8300 block of North Wilbur Avenue, when two marked LAPD patrol cars collided while chasing a suspected stolen vehicle. SkyCal aerial footage showed emergency crews surrounding a mangled police cruiser and helping one officer out as medics waited nearby. Investigators were still working to piece together the final moments before the impact.
As reported by NBC Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Fire Department requested paramedics for three patients, listing two in critical condition and one in fair condition. NBC Los Angeles also reported that one officer was trapped inside a patrol car after the collision and that the pursuit began after a tip about a possible DUI, with police saying the suspect was taken into custody.
How the Chase Ended
CBS Los Angeles reported that both LAPD units were pursuing a stolen vehicle when their patrol cars slammed into each other on North Wilbur Avenue, turning the quiet Reseda block into a sea of flashing lights. Video and helicopter footage showed multiple emergency vehicles crowding the street as crews worked to free the trapped officer and treat the injured. Police have not released the names of the officers or detailed medical updates on their conditions.
Investigation and Reporting
Under California law, agencies must file an Allied Agency Vehicle Pursuit Report (CHP 187A) within 30 days of a pursuit, a requirement set out in Vehicle Code §14602.1. Those reports, along with internal departmental reviews, are used to examine whether officers followed pursuit policies and to flag any needed changes in training or tactics. LAPD officials said the moments leading up to the crash are under review and that more information will be released when available.
Authorities have not publicly identified the officers involved, nor have they provided full updates on their conditions. No additional charges beyond the reported DUI hold were immediately announced. Investigators are asking anyone who may have video or other information from the scene to contact the LAPD as the department continues its review of the pursuit and the crash.
