Los Angeles Police Pursue Suspected Carjacking Driver in High‑Speed Pickup Truck Chase

Late Thursday afternoon, a Los Angeles police patrol spotted a white pickup truck racing down Sunset Boulevard. The officer on duty said the truck matched the description of a vehicle reported just minutes earlier in a possible carjacking near the 110 Freeway.

According to the LAPD, the driver accelerated away before officers could stop him, prompting a full‑blown pursuit that criss‑crossed several neighborhoods. "We saw the truck make a sudden turn, and the driver was clearly trying to get away," said LAPD spokesperson Sgt. Maria Hernandez. "We immediately went into pursuit mode to protect the public and recover the suspect."

The chase, which lasted roughly eight minutes, saw the pickup weaving through traffic, briefly running a red light at Hollywood Blvd, and even cutting across a bike lane near Melrose. Onlookers captured the drama on their phones, and the footage quickly spread across social media, sparking a flurry of comments about the danger of high‑speed chases in a densely populated city.

Police eventually forced the truck to a stop near an alley off La Brea Avenue. The suspect, described as a male in his early 30s wearing a dark hoodie and jeans, exited the vehicle with his hands raised, apparently after hearing the sirens close in. Officers moved in, and after a brief verbal exchange, the man was handcuffed without further incident.

Back at the precinct, detectives confirmed the suspect is linked to the earlier carjacking report, where a driver’s sedan was stolen after a brief confrontation at a gas station on 8th Street. The victim, who declined to be identified, said the driver threatened them with a weapon before taking the keys.

Mayor Eric Garcetti released a statement reminding residents that while police must act quickly, safety remains paramount. "We understand the concerns that high‑speed pursuits raise, but our officers are trained to weigh risk and protect the community," the mayor wrote. "We also encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to call 911 immediately, rather than trying to intervene."

For now, the suspect faces charges of carjacking, reckless driving, and resisting arrest. The LAPD is reviewing the dash‑cam footage to determine whether any procedural changes are needed for future pursuits.

If you witnessed the chase or have additional information, you can reach the LAPD’s non‑emergency line at (877) ASK‑LAPD or submit a tip online. Your help can make a real difference.