Authorities detained a driver suspected of stealing a Tesla after a dangerous, high-speed pursuit through North Hollywood on Friday morning, during which Sky5 tracked the vehicle as it weaved through neighborhoods and narrowly missed pedestrians and a cyclist.
KTLA’s Rich Prickett was overhead of the black Tesla as it sped along surface streets near Burbank Boulevard and Beck Avenue before briefly entering and exiting the 170 Freeway, with LAPD units and an overhead helicopter coordinating the response.
The driver was seen traveling on the wrong side of the road at times and accelerating to speeds approaching 90 mph in residential areas, prompting officers to weigh whether to pull back ground units for safety while air crews continued surveillance.
During the pursuit, the driver rolled down a window and appeared to speak with people on a sidewalk before suddenly accelerating away, continuing to circle through the same North Hollywood streets.
Radio traffic indicated officers were considering canceling the pursuit because of the risks to the public, though the helicopter maintained visual contact and relayed the Tesla’s location to patrol units below.
The vehicle eventually slowed near Oxnard Street, where LAPD units converged. The driver exited the Tesla and attempted to flee on foot before officers tackled him and took him into custody.
Police said the suspect was wanted in connection with a grand theft case involving the vehicle. No injuries were immediately reported.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
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