Innocent Driver Killed After High-Speed Police Chase Ends in Deadly Crash in South L.A.

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A police pursuit involving burglary suspects ended in tragedy early Wednesday when one of the fleeing vehicles slammed into two cars in South Los Angeles, killing an uninvolved driver.

Authorities say the chase began around 1:30 a.m. after Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary call in Rancho Palos Verdes. Deputies spotted at least four suspects leaving the scene in a white Lexus and a black Porsche and pursued them onto the 110 Freeway. Both vehicles reportedly drove without headlights in an attempt to evade capture.

The Porsche exited the freeway while deputies continued chasing the Lexus. Due to excessive speeds, ground units terminated the pursuit but tracked the suspects from a helicopter. The California Highway Patrol later resumed the chase on the freeway.

Around 2:20 a.m., the Lexus collided with two vehicles near Imperial Highway and Olive Street in the Broadway-Manchester area, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Firefighters arrived to find one victim ejected from their car and another trapped inside. One of the innocent drivers was pronounced dead at the scene, while several others—including three suspects in the Lexus—were taken to local hospitals.

The suspects, who sustained injuries in the crash, were taken into custody.

Law enforcement pursuits have faced increasing scrutiny in Southern California due to the risks they pose to bystanders. Data from the California Highway Patrol shows that in 2021 alone, more than 12,500 police chases occurred statewide, resulting in 52 deaths—14 of whom were people not involved in the pursuits.

A recent LAPD report also revealed that between 2018 and April 2023, more than 4,200 pursuits took place in Los Angeles. Nearly a quarter ended in collisions causing injuries or fatalities, with hundreds of innocent people among those harmed.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident or due to someone else’s negligence? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact Pacific Coast Injury Law Center today for a free consultation. Let our experienced legal team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

www.pacificcoastinjurylaw.com | 833-30-LA-LAW