Police Chase Through The Valley Ends In Surreal Walk Of Fame Scene

HOLLYWOOD, CA — A suspect in a stolen car led officers on a slow-speed chase from Hollywood to the west San Fernando Valley and back again before stopping along the Walk of Fame where a surreal scene ensued with the suspect smoking a cigarette while police pointed their guns at him and throngs of tourists snapped photos.

The chase began about 6:45 p.m. in the 5700 block of Hollywood Boulevard, near Wilton Place, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The suspect made his way north into Woodland Hills before heading south on the Ventura and Hollywood (101) freeways, with LAPD and California Highway Patrol officers alternately taking the lead in the pursuit.

The blue Dodge Avenger eventually exited at Vermont Avenue, turned back north on the Hollywood Freeway and then exited on Sunset Boulevard, first heading west then north on Bronson Avenue to westbound Hollywood Boulevard.

Throngs of people along the Hollywood Walk of Fame snapped cellphone images of the vehicle as it slowly made its way west amid traffic.

After turning around and briefly going east again in the heart of the area's tourist district, the suspect stopped at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, where he sat smoking while officers drew their guns. Tourists snapped pictures and recorded a few moments of tense standoff before police swamed the suspect and slapped cuffs on him.

City News Service; Photo: Youtube screengrab