> At a Glance
> – A suspected DUI driver led police on a wild chase through Van Nuys late Thursday
> – The motorist sped the wrong way on the 5 Freeway, forcing LAPD to abandon the pursuit
> – The driver ditched the car in a Pacoima neighborhood around 11:15 p.m.
> – Why it matters: Reckless driving endangers everyone on the road and shows how quickly police pursuits can escalate
A suspected drunk driver turned a quiet San Fernando Valley night into a high-stakes chase, reaching speeds that alarmed officers and prompted them to back off for public safety.
The Pursuit
NewsChopper4 captured the drama as the driver weaved through Van Nuys surface streets shortly after 11 p.m. on January 8, 2025. The situation escalated when the suspect entered the 5 Freeway going the wrong direction.
LAPD supervisors made the split-second decision to terminate ground pursuit due to the extreme danger posed by the driver’s actions.
Aftermath
The abandoned vehicle was discovered in a residential area of Pacoima, but officers on scene did not immediately confirm any arrests.
Key sequence:
- 11:15 p.m. – Air unit spots the suspect vehicle
- Wrong-way freeway driving triggers pursuit termination
- Driver flees on foot in Pacoima
- Vehicle recovered, occupant status unknown
News Of Los Angeles broadcast the aerial footage during its 11 p.m. newscast.
Key Takeaways
- LAPD policy allows pursuits to be cancelled when danger outweighs the need for immediate capture
- Air units can continue tracking even when ground units pull back
- Suspected DUI drivers often exhibit erratic, high-risk behavior
- Wrong-way freeway driving is one of the most dangerous traffic violations
The investigation remains active as officers work to identify and locate the driver.
