Suspect, passenger in custody after lengthy chase through Pico Union area involving stolen

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A lengthy chase in the Pico Union area involving a suspect considered “armed and dangerous” ended with at least two people in custody and a reported stolen vehicle nearly destroyed.

The pursuit started late Wednesday evening and remained mostly in the Pico Union district after officers responded to reports of a stolen car.

It reached high speeds at several times with the driver coming close to pedestrians at busy crosswalks.

AIR7 HD was above the scene when at least three people jumped out of the vehicle and took off running as the driver continued driving.

It’s unclear if those three people were apprehended.

Just after 11 p.m., the driver – who mainly drove around in circles through the area – began slowing down as he was driving on S Alvarado Street with what appeared to be a blown-out tire.

He ended up driving on a tire-less rim at around 11:18 p.m. as he was heading down West Pico Boulevard. A shower of sparks began flying shortly after police deployed a spike strip, which drastically slowed him down.

In the final moments of the chase, the driver finally surrendered to officers and a passenger, believed to be a woman, also surrendered.

The two were taken into custody shortly after. Details regarding the suspects, including the three who jumped out in the middle of the chase, weren’t immediately released.

The article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.