15-Minute Stolen Car Chase Ends in Panorama City Cul-de-Sac

Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Underway

• 🚓 A stolen silver Honda Civic led LAPD on a pursuit starting in the REIA area and moving through Panorama City.
• 💨 Speeds reached up to 90 mph on surface streets, with the vehicle blowing through intersections and running red lights.
• ⚠️ Law enforcement initially suspected multiple occupants and that the individuals might be armed, bracing for the worst.

Surveillance and Tracking Mode

• 🚁 LAPD utilized Sky Fox for aerial surveillance, initially in tracking mode, keeping ground units advised of the vehicle's location.
• 💡 The vehicle was identified as having stolen plates, indicating an attempt to conceal its identity, and the vehicle itself was also reported stolen.
• 🌙 The helicopter later switched to surveillance mode, turning off the night sun and relying on thermal imaging to track the vehicle without directly alerting the suspect.

Pursuit Tactics and Risks

• 🚨 Ground units were instructed to stay out of the way in surveillance mode, only engaging to block intersections or to be ready to surround the area if the suspect stopped.
• ⚠️ The pursuit involved significant risks due to high speeds on surface streets, running red lights, and passing through school zones and residential areas with potential for pedestrians.
• 🚗 Tactics like PIT maneuvers and spike strips were deemed too dangerous at the high speeds, leading authorities to rely on surveillance and wait for the suspect to stop.

Pursuit Conclusion

• 📍 The chase concluded in a cul-de-sac in Panorama City after the suspect drove into trash and recycling bins.
• 🏃 The driver then attempted to flee on foot but was tracked by the helicopter and apprehended by officers who had maintained a close proximity.
• ✅ The pursuit ended with no reported injuries, and a female suspect was taken into custody.