Carjacker endangers lives of three children in Los Angeles pursuit
- A man carjacked a vehicle in East Los Angeles with three children inside, initiating a police chase.
- The chase lasted nearly an hour and ended in a crash on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
- All three children were hospitalized but are in stable condition, raising community concerns about child safety.
In Los Angeles, California, on the evening of August 29, 2025, a harrowing incident unfolded as a man carjacked a running vehicle with three young children inside, sparking a dangerous police pursuit. This reckless act began just before 7 p.m. when the suspect jumped into the car in a 7-Eleven parking lot in East Los Angeles. The children, aged 2, 7, and 9, were left in the vehicle, which was still running, as their mother went into the store. Their father was nearby and tried to stop the carjacking but was dragged a short distance, leading to a high-speed chase that ensued along the westbound 10 Freeway. The pursuit intensified as police tracked the car weaving through various neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. It culminated in a crash on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu after nearly an hour of chase, where the suspect allegedly collided with another vehicle. Upon impact, the suspect fled the scene on foot, discarding clothing as he attempted to evade arrest, even as law enforcement pursued him through thick vegetation and hills. Despite the chaotic scene, first responders rapidly acted to rescue the children from the wrecked vehicle. Following the crash, the three boys were airlifted to UCLA Medical Center, where they received medical attention for injuries varying from minor to moderate. Authorities reported that, remarkably, the youngest child in a car seat was relatively unharmed compared to his older brothers. The hospital update confirmed that while two of the brothers remained hospitalized over the weekend, the youngest was eventually released to his family on August 30. Family members conveyed their immense gratitude that all three boys were safe, albeit shaken. The carjacker's actions sparked immediate outrage and concern among the community, highlighting the risks to children in similar circumstances. Police have not yet disclosed the identity of the suspect, but he remains in custody following his capture. The case underscores the importance of vehicle safety and awareness when children are present, emphasizing how quickly situations can escalate when safety precautions are not observed.