Los Angeles Car Thief Evades Police With “Video Game”-Style Escape
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Police are searching for an alleged car thief who pulled off what many online are calling a “Grand Theft Auto move” during a chase through Los Angeles, disappearing into a storm drain near the Rio Hondo Canal and leaving officers stunned.
High-Speed Pursuit Through Riverbed
According to local news reports, the chase began Thursday when officers pursued a utility truck reported stolen. Helicopter footage showed the driver racing through the dried-up Rio Hondo riverbed, before suddenly veering off and driving directly into a service tunnel near Washington and Paramount boulevards.
The maneuver left both police and news anchors baffled as the truck vanished from view.
Police Refuse to Enter Tunnel
Authorities later confirmed that officers did not pursue the vehicle into the underground system due to serious safety risks.
As of 8 p.m. Thursday, neither the driver nor the stolen truck had been located. Investigators believe the suspect may have known the storm drain network in the area, making it possible to escape before police could establish a perimeter.
Social Media Reacts: “Straight Out of GTA”
The incident quickly spread online, with viewers comparing it to the Grand Theft Auto video game series.
One commenter wrote: “All he gotta do is wait till them stars go away and he good.” Another joked: “Bro I’ve played a lot of GTA. Homeboy is gone if he plays his cards right.”
Others compared the stunt to the movie “The Italian Job”, where Mini Coopers famously evade capture by zipping into the Los Angeles storm drain system.
A Growing Problem of High-Speed Escapes
While this case captured national attention for its dramatic ending, experts warn it highlights a serious problem with stolen vehicles and high-speed chases in Los Angeles.
According to LAPD statistics, vehicle thefts in Los Angeles have increased over 25% in the past two years, and police pursuits frequently involve suspects driving recklessly through residential neighborhoods, highways, and even riverbeds.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have not released a description of the suspect but confirmed the truck was reported stolen earlier in the day. Surveillance footage from surrounding areas is being reviewed, and investigators are asking the public to report any tips regarding suspicious vehicles near storm drains or canals.
“It’s one of the crazier ways you’ll ever see a car chase conclude,” one officer said, acknowledging how unusual the escape was.
Do you think police should pursue suspects into dangerous spaces like storm drains, or should officer safety come first even if criminals escape? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
