Carjacker Targeted Pedestrians During Violent LA County Rampage: Police

CULVER CITY, CA — A man accused of carjacking a vehicle at knifepoint in downtown Los Angeles drove through Culver City on Tuesday evening striking multiple pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers' cars in what police say was an intentional "complete disregard for human life."

Investigators say the violence unfolded over roughly an hour and culminated in a police pursuit through Culver City during which officers believed the suspect was intentionally trying to hit pedestrians.

The incident began around 6 p.m. Tuesday when a man carjacked a white Toyota Camry at knifepoint in downtown Los Angeles, according to the Culver City Police Department.

About an hour later, the stolen car was involved in a felony hit-and-run collision near Centinela Avenue and Washington Boulevard that injured four pedestrians. The driver fled without stopping, police said.

While officers were responding to that scene, authorities received another report that the same car had struck a motorist in the 3800 block of Sepulveda Boulevard before fleeing again, police said.

Using witness statements, the vehicle's license plate information and automated license plate readers, officers tracked the stolen Camry as it continued through the city, police said.

At around 7:25 p.m., officers located the car near Centinela Avenue and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to yield and sped away eastbound on Culver Boulevard; police followed in pursuit, according to the CCPD.

During the chase, officers reported seeing the suspect drive at high speeds, run multiple red lights, enter opposing traffic lanes and weave around vehicles. Police said officers also observed the driver repeatedly steer toward pedestrians in or near the roadway.

"Based on their observations, officers believed the suspect was intentionally attempting to strike pedestrians," police said in a statement. "The suspect’s actions created a clear and immediate danger to community members and demonstrated a complete disregard for human life."

Authorities said several additional victims were struck during the pursuit.

Near Braddock Drive and Sepulveda Boulevard, the man hit an adult pedestrian. A short time later, two juveniles riding an e-bike were struck near Culver Boulevard and Le Bourget Avenue. Another pedestrian was hit near Canfield Avenue and Culver Boulevard before the driver continued fleeing, police said.

The pursuit ended on the 200 block of Washington Boulevard when the suspect crashed head-on into another vehicle in a restaurant drive-thru lane, according to police.

The driver attempted to run but was quickly taken into custody, police said.

One officer suffered minor injuries during the arrest and was treated at the scene.

The victims struck during the series of incidents ranged in age from 15 to 70 years old. Their injuries were considered non-life-threatening as of Wednesday night, police said.

Authorities identified the suspect as 45-year-old Juan Luis Estrada of Perris.

Estrada was booked into the Culver City Jail on suspicion of carjacking, felony evading, battery, resisting arrest and multiple counts of attempted murder. Detectives said additional charges are expected as investigators continue reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements and other evidence.