A California driver pulled off a jaw-dropping move, making a mid-chase gas stop and still slipping away from authorities. On the night of August 22, 2025, a high-speed pursuit unfolded across Los Angeles, captivating viewers as the suspect in a stolen dark blue Infiniti 250 sedan outmaneuvered law enforcement with a bold and calculated strategy.
The chase began around 10:00 PM in Wilshire when the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) attempted to stop the stolen vehicle on the 110 Freeway. The driver, refusing to pull over, led officers on a wild ride across the 105, 110, 710, and 10 Freeways, hitting speeds up to 100 mph. This LA police chase showcased a reckless disregard for public safety.
He weaved through traffic, darted onto the shoulder, and blew through red lights, leaving authorities scrambling to keep up. In a surprising twist, the suspect pulled into a Shell gas station at Imperial Highway and Long Beach Boulevard in Lynwood to refuel. With his shirt covering his face to hide from news helicopters circling above, he nervously pumped gas, clutching a wad of cash. The move was daring and desperate, as he seemed to believe no ground units were close behind.
At this point, LAPD and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) had pulled back their ground units to avoid escalating the chase into a dangerous situation. Only aerial surveillance, including a news helicopter, kept tabs on the suspect. After a quick splash of gas, he jumped back into the car and tore off, continuing his reckless drive along Long Beach Boulevard.
CHP briefly rejoined the pursuit, their lights and sirens flashing just a block behind, but the suspect had one more trick up his sleeve. The driver made his final play as he approached the 10 Freeway overpass at Alameda Street near the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles. He abandoned the vehicle under the overpass, out of sight from helicopters, and let it roll into a light pole.
By the time law enforcement arrived, the car was empty, and the suspect had vanished on foot, executing a remarkable driver escape. Police suspect another driver may have picked him up or even carjacked an SUV to make his getaway. Another suspect recently used the same overpass to escape a chase involving a stolen tanker truck, highlighting its strategic advantage for evading aerial surveillance.
The pursuit, now a manhunt, left authorities empty-handed. The suspect’s identity and motives remain unknown, and police are still searching for him.
This incident stands out for its high-stakes drama and the suspect’s audacity to execute a mid-chase gas stop, a rare tactic seen in past California pursuits. In October 2020, a driver stopped at a Chevron station during a chase but was later caught. In January 2024, another suspect paused for gas but was apprehended after a helicopter tipped off police. This time, however, the driver’s quick thinking and the cover of the overpass allowed him to slip away.
The public has been buzzing about the chase, with social media posts calling it a “wild” and “unbelievable” spectacle. The suspect’s ability to refuel and escape has sparked fascination and debate about police pursuit tactics. While no injuries or crashes were reported, the incident raises questions about balancing public safety with capturing suspects on the run.
