Breaking News: Police Pursuit in Van Nuys
At approximately 11:00 PM, a police pursuit commenced in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. Stu Mandell reported the incident live from Sky 2, revealing that the suspect was driving a stolen work van.
The Chase Begins on 405 Southbound
The pursuit started on the 405 Southbound after the suspect made a hard turn on Vanowen Street, causing an accident near Densmore. The suspect managed to escape by reversing and knocking down some poles, subsequently entering the Southbound 405 freeway. The van, visibly damaged, was pulling to the right side.
High-Speed Pursuit on the 101 Freeway
The suspect continued driving at high speeds, transitioning from the 405 Southbound to the eastbound 101 freeway. The front wheel of the van began throwing sparks, likely due to damage sustained during the initial crash. Despite the damage, the suspect maintained high speeds, causing concern for potential tire blowouts.
Suspect Maneuvers Through Hollywood
As the chase progressed, the suspect exited the freeway, entering the Hollywood area. The LAPD and a helicopter were in close pursuit, keeping a watchful eye on the suspect. The van, still wobbling from the earlier damage, swayed dangerously at high speeds.
Near Misses and Dangerous Driving
The pursuit saw the suspect maneuvering recklessly, nearly colliding with other vehicles and even pushing cars out of the way. The suspect navigated through Hollywood, driving on Vermont Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, before taking a left turn towards a dark alley in an attempt to evade the police.
Standoff at Hollywood and Highland
The chase concluded near Hollywood and Highland when the suspect’s van came to a stop after hitting several parked cars. LAPD officers, with guns drawn, quickly approached the van. One suspect, believed to be the passenger, was apprehended. The driver initially remained inside the van, leading to a tense standoff.
Conclusion and Arrest
After a thorough search, the LAPD confirmed that the driver was still inside the van. Officers carefully approached and eventually secured the situation, bringing the pursuit to a safe conclusion. No additional suspects were found, and the driver was taken into custody without further incident.
Summary
This high-speed chase through Los Angeles showcased the dangers and unpredictability of police pursuits. Despite the reckless driving and potential hazards, the LAPD managed to apprehend the suspect, ensuring public safety. The stolen work van sustained significant damage, and several vehicles were affected during the chase. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
