Christmas Eve in Los Angeles: Police Stop a Fleeing Suspect in a Truck Using a Maneuver
A few days before Christmas, a remarkable pursuit incident occurred in Los Angeles. A suspect stole a large truck, triggering a police chase that ended in Beverly Hills with a spectacular and decisive police maneuver.
An Unusual Choice for Escape
Fleeing from the police is rarely a smart idea, but doing it in a slow and tall truck is a whole new level of futility. The incident occurred on December 19, after the suspect stole a van in Santa Monica and drove through West Los Angeles to Beverly Hills. The local Beverly Hills Police Department released footage showing the conclusion of the chase and the driver’s attempt to escape.
Red Light and a Decisive Maneuver
Video obtained from three surveillance cameras at the intersection shows the truck driver making a left turn on a red light, not even bothering to use the turn signal. Then, a black-and-white Chevrolet police car is seen ramming the rear of the van during its turn.
Somewhat unexpectedly, the truck did not flip when pushed by the police but came to a stop, spun 180 degrees.
The footage shows the driver jumping out of the cab and running across the road, pursued by at least five police officers. Within seconds, the driver apparently realizes escape is impossible, pauses for a moment, and is then apprehended by the police.
Aftermath and Details
Authorities have not yet released details regarding potential charges. Apparently, the truck was in active use for deliveries when it was stolen. The rear cargo doors remained wide open throughout the chase, revealing household items inside, including a refrigerator.
This case once again demonstrates how unpredictable road situations can be and the diverse range of vehicles that sometimes find themselves at the center of events. The efficiency and decisiveness of the Beverly Hills Police’s actions prevented a potentially dangerous escalation in a densely populated area. At the same time, the open cargo doors and the van’s contents raise questions about the motives and circumstances of the theft, which will hopefully be clarified during the investigation. Such incidents also serve as a reminder of the importance of commercial vehicle security, even during brief stops.