Armed Suspects Lead Police on Chase Near LAX
In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday night, police pursued a vehicle occupied by armed suspects, resulting in one arrest and several others escaping on foot. The incident unfolded near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and involved multiple police agencies, culminating in a chaotic scene that lit up the freeways.
Details of the Pursuit
The pursuit was initiated by officers from the South Gate Police Department, but they transferred the chase to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) shortly before 11 p.m. The suspects were allegedly wanted for brandishing firearms, with reports indicating that their vehicle contained at least two handguns and a rifle.
Aerial Coverage and Escape Attempts
As the pursuit progressed, viewers from above witnessed the vehicle maneuvering through traffic, attempting to evade law enforcement. CHP officers attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver but were unsuccessful. The suspects then entered a parking garage where they are believed to have discarded the firearms before re-emerging on the freeway.
Vehicle Damage and Final Arrest
Upon reappearing, the suspect vehicle displayed significant damage, with sparks flying from the disabled tire and the rear bumper dragging along the road. The chase concluded at the intersection of Gorman Avenue and East 115th Street, where the driver stopped the vehicle and multiple suspects fled on foot.
The driver, however, did not escape for long. After being quickly surrounded by CHP officers with their weapons drawn, he surrendered and was taken into custody. A perimeter was set up in the area to locate the additional suspects before aerial coverage by Sky5 was discontinued.
Next Steps for Law Enforcement
Authorities are actively searching for the remaining suspects and working to gather evidence related to the firearms allegedly discarded during the chase. The situation remains under investigation as police continue to assess the full scope of events that transpired during the pursuit.
