Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 3:40
A suspect was arrested Tuesday morning after leading California Highway Patrol officers on a dangerous, high-speed pursuit across Los Angeles County. The chase began in the San Fernando Valley and ended in Montebello, where officers performed a PIT maneuver and took him into custody.
The incident began around 7:15 a.m. when Santa Monica Police Department investigators attempted to take the driver of a black Range Rover who was allegedly involved in a road rage incident a couple of weeks ago into custody, according to police. When the suspect took off, Santa Monica police requested assistance from the California Highway Patrol. CHP officers initiated the pursuit on the southbound 405 Freeway near the 118 Freeway in Pacoima, officials said. SkyFOX aerial footage captured the suspect, driving a black Range Rover, weaving dangerously through heavy morning traffic on the southbound 101 Freeway in Hollywood. The driver exited near New Hampshire Avenue into Koreatown, driving into oncoming lanes and racing down Vermont Avenue. At 7:47 a.m., the suspect reached speeds of 120 mph on the eastbound 10 Freeway, according to CBS Los Angeles. By 7:52 a.m., the suspect crossed into the San Gabriel Valley at speeds over 80 mph, per FOX 11.
The driver exited the freeway in San Gabriel around 7:50 a.m. and lost control while trying to avoid another vehicle at 7:53 a.m. The chase ended just before 8 a.m. near San Gabriel Boulevard and Hill Drive near the Montebello border. A CHP patrol car performed a PIT maneuver by striking the suspect's SUV on the driver side, bringing it to a stop in the middle of the street. Three officers immediately emerged from their vehicle and ran around to the front passenger door. They reached in and yanked the suspect out of the Range Rover, forcefully took him to the ground and handcuffed him. No other occupants were found, and it is unknown if the suspect was armed. Despite multiple near-misses, no collisions occurred, and no injuries were reported.
The chase, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, made its way southbound on the 405 Freeway in Sherman Oaks before transitioning to the eastbound 10 Freeway and heading into the Central Los Angeles area. The driver of the black Range Rover then led CHP officers into the San Gabriel Valley before exiting the freeway and entering a residential neighborhood.
The pursuit traversed multiple Los Angeles County communities, including Pacoima, Sherman Oaks, Hollywood, Koreatown, San Gabriel, and Montebello. The Santa Monica Police Department was the initial agency handling the case, and the CHP took over the pursuit. The suspect was initially thought to be connected to a fatal overnight shooting of a man near the Santa Monica Pier, but authorities later refuted that connection. According to a news release, on July 3, Santa Monica police responded to a reported road rage incident involving a firearm near Cloverfield Boulevard and Broadway. The suspect left before officers arrived, and an investigation was initiated. On Tuesday morning, Santa Monica police investigators found the suspect in the San Fernando Valley. When officers attempted to make contact, the suspect fled, and the CHP assumed primary responsibility for the pursuit, with Santa Monica officers assisting.
High-speed pursuits are not uncommon in Los Angeles County, often involving suspects in stolen vehicles or wanted for violent crimes. The CHP regularly coordinates with local police departments in such chases, which can pose significant risks to public safety. In this case, no injuries were reported despite the reckless driving.
The suspect is now in custody, and the investigation continues. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the CHP or Santa Monica Police Department. This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
