Human Trafficking Suspect Leads Police On Chase Through Valley

VAN NUYS, CA — A manhunt was on Thursday morning for a human trafficking suspect in a Mercedes-Benz, who led police on a high-speed chase through the San Fernando Valley before crashing into multiple vehicles, injuring two people. The suspect fled the crash scene on foot, but police said they know who he is and where he lives.

The chase began at about 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to Officer Mike Lopez of the Los Angeles Police Department. The Mercedes-Benz crashed into a civilian's vehicle near Hatteras Street and Halbrent Avenue and both the driver and a passenger in the vehicle were taken to a hospital in unknown condition, Lopez said.

"It's really dangerous, the high speeds traveling in a residential neighborhood and there's people out and about," LAPD Sgt. John Matassa told ABC7. "It's very dangerous."

An LAPD officer was involved in a crash while responding to the location. The officer's vehicle struck a civilian's vehicle, but it was unclear if there were any injuries, ABC7 reported.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.