Chased by Cop Cars: A Real-Life Incident

Have you ever seen a cop car being chased by a cop car? While such scenarios may appear in movies and TV shows, real-life incidents are not as uncommon as you might think. I had the unusual experience of witnessing one such event while working as the 911/desk operations supervisor at Temple Station. Here's what happened:

A Traffic Stop Gone Wrong

Deputies from Industry Sheriff's Station made a routine traffic stop on the westbound 60 freeway. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested for armed robbery, a crime that occurred at the now-famous Circuit City. After the suspects were arrested, they were placed in the back seat of patrol cars. During a subsequent search of the suspect vehicle, the deputies didn't notice that the suspects managed to get loose from the backseat and steal a black and white patrol car that still had its flashing lights on. The roar of the passing cars made it difficult for the deputies to hear anything, confounding their efforts to notice the suspects' escape attempt.

The Escape and the Pursuit

The suspects, now in possession of a stolen black and white patrol car, began their westbound pursuit on the 60 freeway. The deputies quickly realized their predicament and issued a crime broadcast. The suspects' erratic driving and sideswiping of other vehicles quickly drew calls from citizens, who were understandably upset about what seemed to be a hit-and-run maneuver. The pursuers included a few patrol cars from our station, leading to a chaotic chase that eventually took the suspects to the city of Rosemead.

The Climax and Aftermath

The chase concluded when the lead patrol car lost its brakes. In a desperate attempt to stop, the car crashed into an object, and the stolen patrol car followed suit, crashing head-on into another vehicle. While it's unclear if anyone died in the collision, the injuries sustained were severe. The pursuers managed to successfully take the suspects into custody. Interestingly, the handcuffs that were used on the suspects were not as secure as one might think. Handcuffs are only considered a temporary restraining device, and it's not uncommon for suspects to move them from behind the back to the front, making it possible to drive a car, as happened in this case.

Lessons Learned

Unfortunately, such incidents are not rare. In the past, similar situations occurred before the implementation of secure idle systems, and deputies sometimes left their keys in the ignition if they believed they would be within visual range of the car. While such practices are still common, they highlight the importance of prioritizing safety and proper protocol in high-risk situations.

Conclusion

The real-life scenario of chased and car chase is a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in their mission to ensure public safety. It exposes the vulnerabilities in the system and the constant efforts to adapt and improve protocols. While such incidents are rare, they serve as a valuable lesson for all involved in law enforcement and beyond.