LOS ANGELES – A suspect in a stolen truck who led authorities on a bizarre police chase across West Los Angeles on Tuesday was taken into custody after he appeared to punch a police officer.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the pursuit began around 11:15 a.m. in the area of the 405 and 10 freeways. The suspect is allegedly wanted for elder abuse.
The suspect was seen on the 10 Freeway before getting onto the Pacific Coast Highway. The suspect then made a U-turn near the Santa Monica Pier and proceeded to go back on the 10 Freeway, where they were seen reaching triple-digit speeds near the Pico District.
The suspect was able to avoid several PIT maneuver attempts, but the bumper of the truck sustained damage.
The driver was seen making several stops, sticking their hand out the window, possibly taunting police officers in pursuit. At one point the driver was fist pumping into the air.
Police chase comes to a dramatic end
The pursuit of a suspect in a reported stolen vehicle came to a dramatic ending in the Venice area when the suspect threw a punch at an LAPD officer.
At least seven patrol vehicles were seen trailing the suspect as they approached Pico Boulevard and 16th Street around 11:37 a.m.
The pursuit appeared to be ending around 11:45 a.m. when the suspect stopped completely at Ocean Park Boulevard and 28th Street in Sunset Park. The suspect did not immediately exit the vehicle, prompting police officers to get out of their cars in an attempt to approach the suspect.
But just seconds later, the suspect took off again.
Another PIT maneuver was attempted, but the suspect was able to avoid it as well as spike strips that were deployed.
Around 11:53 a.m., the suspect came to a complete stop and opened the driver’s side door, appearing to get out. However, he abruptly closed the door and instead rolled down his window and stuck his head out. The suspect then took off again and headed towards Venice, where he was seen weaving in and out of traffic, dodging several cars.
When the suspect reached Venice Boulevard and Brenta Place, he began to drive at a very slow speed and just a short while later got out of the vehicle and walked towards officers. It’s unclear if shots were fired because he quickly ran back to the vehicle and got inside.
He drove off again, but pulled over shortly afterward and got out of the vehicle, aggressively walking right up to police officers who appeared to have their weapons drawn.
The suspect then swung at a police officer before he was apprehended by several cops.
It’s unclear what charges he is facing.
The Source: Information for this story is from the Los Angeles Police Department.
