A more-than-hourlong high-speed LAPD pursuit through Los Angeles during Tuesday evening’s rush hour became one of the most talked-about police chases of July 28, 2026—not only because the suspect was believed to be driving a reportedly stolen white Mercedes-Benz SUV and was possibly armed with a handgun, but because the pursuit nearly turned catastrophic when the vehicle came within feet of a group of dirt bike and motocross riders performing stunts on the 110 Freeway.
The dramatic chase stretched from North Hollywood through the San Fernando Valley, major freeways, Culver City, Hyde Park, and into downtown Los Angeles, ending inside a parking structure where police detained multiple suspects. No injuries were reported, despite numerous dangerous driving manoeuvres throughout the pursuit.
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Background: LAPD pursuit of reportedly stolen Mercedes SUV begins in North Hollywood
According to authorities, the pursuit began just after 5:15 p.m. (with some reports placing the initial call around 5:30 p.m.) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the North Hollywood area of the San Fernando Valley.
LAPD officers, initially from Van Nuys Division, confirmed that the white Mercedes-Benz SUV with blacked-out windows had reportedly been stolen, with reports linking the vehicle to the Laguna Beach area. Officers also believed the driver was possibly armed with a handgun, raising the stakes of the pursuit from the outset.
Authorities further indicated at least one other person was inside the SUV as it sped away from police.
Rather than slowing down, the driver immediately began running stop signs and traffic lights, weaving through busy Valley streets before reaching the freeway system.
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Timeline: How the high-speed LAPD chase unfolded across Los Angeles
| Time | Event | Official Details |
| Just after 5:15 p.m. (some reports: around 5:30 p.m.) | Pursuit begins | LAPD begins chasing reportedly stolen white Mercedes SUV in North Hollywood |
| Early pursuit | Through San Fernando Valley | Driver runs stop signs and red lights before entering the 101 Freeway |
| Southbound 405 Freeway | Speeds exceed 100 mph | SUV races through the Sepulveda Pass and uses the shoulder to bypass traffic |
| Shortly before 6 p.m. | Near Culver Boulevard | Driver passes motorists on the right shoulder before exiting into Del Rey/Culver City |
| Surface streets | Dangerous manoeuvres | SUV drives on the wrong side of the road, cuts across multiple lanes, forcing motorists to brake; LAPD briefly switches to tracking mode because of safety concerns |
| Around 6:15 p.m. | Hyde Park | Driver speeds eastbound on Slauson Avenue, weaving through traffic and running multiple red lights |
| Around 6:20 p.m. | Northbound 110 Freeway | SUV encounters a large group of dirt bike riders performing stunts, creating the chase’s most dramatic moment |
| Just before 6:30 p.m. | Downtown Los Angeles | Driver enters a parking structure at Hill Street and Eighth Street, where police establish a perimeter and begin searching |
The terrifying 110 Freeway moment that changed the chase
While the pursuit had already featured numerous dangerous moments, the encounter on the northbound 110 Freeway quickly became the defining image of the chase.
As the Mercedes merged onto the freeway from Slauson Avenue, it came upon roughly eight to nearly a dozen dirt bike and motocross riders travelling together.
Several riders were reportedly performing stunts, including popping wheelies, while one rider was said to be performing a wheelie while standing on the seat.
At the same time, the suspect continued driving aggressively with an LAPD patrol vehicle not far behind.
The SUV moved onto the freeway shoulder and narrowly missed the riders, with motorcycles passing only feet away from the speeding vehicle. At least one rider appeared to watch the police pursuit from extremely close range as the Mercedes sped past.
The dramatic near-miss was captured from above by news helicopters, including KTLA’s Sky5 and ABC7’s AIR7, providing viewers with aerial footage of one of the pursuit’s most dangerous moments.
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How the pursuit ended in downtown Los Angeles
The chase finally concluded just before 6:30 p.m., when the Mercedes entered a parking structure at the intersection of Hill Street and Eighth Street in downtown Los Angeles.
Officers quickly established a perimeter around the garage and began searching for everyone who had exited the vehicle.
Early reports varied slightly regarding the final arrests.
Some accounts stated one suspect was taken into custody while another escaped, while others reported multiple detainees with officers continuing to search for an additional person. An X summary of the incident later stated two suspects were arrested.
One suspect was described as wearing a black ski mask and a grey hoodie.
Because information continued developing through the evening of July 28 and into July 29, authorities had not yet released definitive information regarding the exact passenger count, the final custody status of every individual, or any formal criminal charges.
Why police shifted tactics during the chase
The pursuit unfolded during Los Angeles rush-hour traffic, forcing officers to balance public safety against the risks posed by the fleeing suspect.
After several dangerous manoeuvres—including driving on the wrong side of the road, crossing multiple lanes unexpectedly, exceeding 100 mph, and forcing motorists to brake suddenly—LAPD officers briefly transitioned into tracking mode, reducing immediate pressure while continuing to monitor the suspect.
The pursuit remained under constant observation from local news helicopters, with live aerial coverage documenting nearly every stage of the chase.
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What’s next in the investigation?
Although the chase has concluded, several aspects of the investigation remain unresolved.
Authorities are expected to clarify the total number of suspects involved, whether everyone inside the vehicle has been located, the formal charges that will be filed, and additional details regarding the reported vehicle theft from the Laguna Beach area.
Despite the extraordinary risks created throughout the pursuit—including the frightening encounter with dirt bike riders—no injuries were reported, making the outcome remarkably fortunate given the circumstances.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on thoroughly researched information compiled from verified reports and official details available from multiple credible local news sources covering the July 28–29, 2026 LAPD pursuit. Some investigative details—including the final custody status of all suspects, exact passenger count, and formal charges—were still developing at the time of reporting and may be updated as authorities release additional official information.
Sources:
Image Credit:
- Kadeem J / Pexels
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