A high-speed police pursuit that lasted less than a minute left six people injured Friday afternoon in a violent crash that shook the San Pedro community. The suspect, who was wanted on a felony warrant, crashed into multiple vehicles near the intersection of South Pacific Avenue and West 19th Street, upending what should have been a normal day for several unsuspecting residents.
What Happened
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers attempted to stop a vehicle tied to a felony warrant at approximately 1:00 p.m. The suspect, rather than complying, sped off, initiating a brief but catastrophic pursuit through the San Pedro neighborhood. Within seconds, the driver barrelled through a red light at the intersection and slammed into several vehicles, his car ultimately coming to rest on top of another.
In total, four vehicles were involved in the multi-car wreck. Two people were hospitalized in serious condition, while four others—including a couple heading out to begin their Mother’s Day weekend—were treated at the scene for less severe injuries such as cuts and bruises.
First-Hand Accounts of the Crash
Among those caught in the crash were Deanna and her husband Tommy, who were driving their Infiniti when they were blindsided by the suspect’s vehicle.
“He barreled through this intersection right into us, put us in a tailspin—we hit a tree,” said Deanna. “It happened so fast, I haven’t even had time to process it.”
Tommy echoed the shock of the moment: “We were just sitting at the red light. We saw guns drawn and two cop cars. I said to my wife, ‘Uh oh, something’s going on.’ Before we could even blink, the car came barreling at us—zero to 60. There was nowhere to go.”
Witness videos captured the chaotic aftermath, showing the suspect being handcuffed and treated for injuries at the scene. Police confirmed he was in stable condition and will be facing new charges stemming from the incident, though specific details of the original felony warrant remain undisclosed.
Why It Matters
The crash has reignited public concerns over the risks of high-speed police chases in densely populated urban areas. Though brief, the pursuit resulted in serious consequences—multiple injuries, extensive property damage, and shaken lives. The incident highlights the delicate balance law enforcement must maintain between apprehending suspects and safeguarding the public.
“This kind of thing just changes your life in the blink of an eye,” Deanna said, reflecting on how quickly a normal day turned into a nightmare.
What’s Next
The LAPD is continuing its investigation and has not yet disclosed the specific nature of the suspect’s felony warrant. He is expected to face a range of additional charges, likely including felony evading, reckless driving, and potentially assault with a deadly weapon due to the injuries sustained by others in the crash.
As of now, the two seriously injured victims remain hospitalized. The four others—Deanna, Tommy, and two additional victims—have been released but are recovering from the shock and trauma of the event.
Authorities urge anyone with footage or information related to the crash to come forward as the investigation progresses.
User-Intent Takeaway:
This article answers key questions likely on readers’ minds: What happened during the chase? Who was affected? Why did it occur? What are the consequences? It informs the public on safety concerns tied to urban police pursuits and signals future legal proceedings for the suspect involved.
