Anthony Yates
A man allegedly stole a car with three children inside before getting involved in a chase and crashing on the highway.
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What happened: According to a news release by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), officers responded to a report of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon on August 29 at around 6:40 PM. “The incident involved a gray Chrysler sedan that had reportedly struck a pedestrian,” the statement reads.
- The driver, a mother of three, left the Chrysler outside a convenience store with the engine running. Her children, ages 8, 6, and 2, were still inside. The news release explains that the father was parked “adjacent to the vehicle” as the mom entered the store.
- A male Asian suspect entered the Chrysler with the kids still inside and drove off. The father reportedly tried to stop him, but was dragged a short distance down the road instead. He suffered injuries to his upper body.
- Police gave chase with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, and the pursuit ultimately ended in a crash involving four other vehicles.
The Suspect Tried To Escape On Foot After The Crash
ABC 7 revealed dramatic footage of part of the chase.
The chase continued on foot: The driver smashed into another car at a junction before rolling to the roadside, colliding with a small pole. Several police cars slowly approached the crashed vehicle as the hood started smoking. Moments later, the driver made a run for it down the street. He quickly stumbled up the hillside, attempting to evade the officers.
- LASD reveals that the suspect ran into a residential area, where CHP officers apprehended him. The news release explains that the suspect was injured either during the collision or as he climbed the hillside. Emergency services took him to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Authorities transported the three children to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A female driver involved in the crash also required treatment.
- An updated report by ABC7 provides different ages for the children, but claims a 9-year-old suffered a minor concussion. The 2-year-old had bruising to his stomach, and the 7-year-old dislocated his hip. The family has set up a GoFundMe page for assistance with medical bills.
Authorities have not named the suspect, and formal charges are pending.
