A high-speed police chase involving a white BMW SUV with six teenagers, including one 12-year-old, ended in a collision with a semi-truck in Los Angeles on the evening of February 18.
The chase: The incident began around 10:45 p.m. on the southbound 605 Freeway. Despite officers halting their ground pursuit for safety, a police helicopter continued to track the vehicle, which subsequently ran multiple red lights and eventually smashed into the truck.
The aftermath: The SUV's collision with the semi-truck near Figueroa Street and Slauson Avenue left the vehicle severely damaged. According to KTLA, the truck driver was uninjured, whereas the SUV driver and a passenger were transported to the hospital for evaluation. Four teenagers were detained at the scene.
Investigation ongoing: The Los Angeles Police Department has taken over the case to delve further into the reasons behind the pursuit and subsequent crash.
Fast facts: High-speed pursuits pose serious risks to all involved, including uninvolved motorists and pedestrians, and they require law enforcement to make critical decisions in the interest of public safety.
- The chase and crash incident are still under investigation, thus details surrounding the initial cause of the pursuit are currently unclear.
- This event again highlights the unpredictable and hazardous nature of vehicle pursuits on city streets and freeways.
What's next: Authorities have not yet disclosed any charges the teenagers may face, and further information will likely emerge as the LAPD progresses with its investigation.