Carjacking Spree Ends With Wild Chase And Crash In The South Bay

TORRANCE, CA — A carjacking suspect led police on a wild chase into the South Bay where he carjacked another victim before a Torrance Police Department patrol unit crashed into the vehicle causing it to hit a pedestrian Thursday afternoon, according to police.

After a brief foot chase, police arrested the suspect on suspicion of committing two carjackings and one auto theft.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies were chasing the suspect in connection with a carjacking and several vehicle thefts when the driver fled to Torrance and into the parking structure at the Del Amo Fashion Center around 12:50 p.m., according to Torrance Police Department spokesman Sgt. Ron Salary. A few minutes later, a woman reported being carjacked in the same area.

That's when Torrence police picked up the chase and located the suspect inside a carjacked silver Prius, leaving the Del Amo Fashion Center.

``Due to the seriousness of the crime (two carjackings and one stolen vehicle) and the ongoing threat to the public, Torrance police officers initiated a pursuit," Salary said in a statement. "A Torrence officer intervened and struck the suspect vehicle near Vermont and Sepulveda, which struck a pedestrian."

The suspect tried to flee on foot but was caught by pursuing officers, added Salary.

The injured pedestrian refused medical treatment at the scene but later took herself to a hospital for treatment, according to the Torrance Police Department.

Her condition was not immediately known.

Anyone with information about the chase and carjackings is asked to call the Torrance Police Department at 310-328-3456.