A man was arrested after allegedly stealing a car with three children inside, leading to a dramatic police chase that ended in Malibu, California. The incident unfolded on Friday, Aug. 29, when the suspect took a Chrysler vehicle with children aged 2, 6, and 8 still inside, sparking a pursuit that was caught on video.
The Incident
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), the situation began around 6:40 p.m. local time when officers responded to a call about a pedestrian being hit by a car at a convenience store in East Los Angeles. Upon arriving, police determined that the suspect entered the Chrysler while its mother was inside the store briefly, leaving the engine running.
The children’s father, who was parked next to the Chrysler, attempted to intervene when he saw the suspect drive off with his kids inside. In the process, the father was dragged by the stolen vehicle for a short distance before falling to the ground and sustaining upper body injuries.
The High-Speed Police Chase
After the theft, the suspect drove westbound on Olympic Boulevard. LASD officers located the vehicle and tried to stop the suspect, but he fled. A high-speed pursuit ensued along several roadways and Interstate-10. The chase eventually ended in Malibu after a traffic collision involving four other vehicles.
The suspect then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, climbing a steep embankment and entering a residential area. He was eventually apprehended by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers.
The Children and Other Victims
Fortunately, the three children who had been in the car sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They were transported to a hospital for observation. Authorities also reported that a woman involved in the crash sustained injuries and was also taken to the hospital.
Witness Accounts
Erica Trujillo, a witness to the crash, described the chaotic scene to local news outlet KABC, stating that she braced for impact before seeing the suspect get out of the car and run following the collision.
Arrest and Charges
The suspect was taken into custody after the chase and is facing multiple charges, including child endangerment and grand theft auto. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
