DUI Suspect Turns South Bay Freeways Into 90 Mph Getaway Before LAPD Backs Off Near Compton

A suspected drunk driver turned South Bay freeways into a late-night racetrack Wednesday, hitting more than 90 miles per hour before Los Angeles police supervisors called off the chase near Compton.

The pursuit jumped between the Long Beach (710), Harbor (110) and Glenn Anderson (105) freeways as officers tried to rein in the motorist, who was believed to be driving under the influence.

According to MyNewsLA, the chase was first reported in the Harbor Area around 8:50 p.m. and was called off at about 9:12 p.m. An LAPD spokeswoman told City News Service the suspect was last seen on the Long Beach Freeway near Alondra Boulevard in the Compton area.

Why commanders end chases

Supervisors are required to balance catching a suspect against the immediate danger a high-speed pursuit creates for bystanders, other drivers and officers themselves. The department’s policy manual spells out the factors for starting or stopping a vehicle pursuit and gives supervisors specific responsibilities once a chase is terminated, according to the LAPD Manual.

Route and final sighting

Officers followed the suspect across the 710, 110 and 105 freeways, where the driver at times topped 90 miles per hour before the pursuit was discontinued. The motorist was last spotted on the Long Beach Freeway near Alondra Boulevard in Compton, and the chase was officially called off around 9:12 p.m., MyNewsLA reported.

Possible charges

If officers later track down the driver, the suspect could face DUI charges under California Vehicle Code §23152 and, depending on the circumstances, a charge of reckless evading under Vehicle Code §2800.2, which treats willful flight showing a “wanton disregard” for safety as a felony. The statutory text and potential penalties are available at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov and leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

Broader context

Freeway chases across the Los Angeles region in recent weeks have highlighted how quickly these incidents can turn violent, at times ending in serious injuries or officer-involved shootings. Earlier this month, a widely watched pursuit on the 405 ended in an officer-involved shooting and major traffic disruption near LAX, underscoring the risks commanders weigh when deciding whether to push on or pull back, according to FOX 11.

Authorities have not released any additional details on the suspect or the vehicle. This story will be updated as the LAPD makes more information public.