Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Multi-Disciplinary Collision Investigation Team (MCIT) is investigating the circumstances following a reckless driver who crashed into another vehicle and killed the driver. After the crash, the suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to flee the scene.
On May 23, 2026, at around 8:50 p.m., a 77th patrol unit observed a Tesla driving recklessly as it traveled northbound on Figueroa at 61st Street. The officer attempted to stop the Tesla, but the driver failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. Due to the speed of the Tesla, officers lost sight of the vehicle and terminated the one-minute pursuit. As officers were monitoring the area, it appeared the Tesla crashed into a bicyclist. Officers stopped to render aid, but the cyclist was uncooperative and left the area.
Another 77th patrol unit that was responding eastbound on Slauson Avenue to the area of pursuit, observed the Tesla speeding westbound on Slauson Avenue near Vermont Avenue pass them. Officers negotiated a U-turn and observed the Tesla crash into a Mercedes Benz at Slauson Avenue and Denker Avenue. The driver of the Tesla exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers were able to detain and arrest the driver without incident. The driver was arrested for Section 2800.3 “Felony Evading-Causing Death to Another Person” of the California Vehicle Code.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and rendered aid but were unable to revive the driver of the Mercedes. The Mayor’s Crisis Response Team and the LAPD’s Family Liaison Unit responded and provided support.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact MCIT Detective Chang Kim at 213-486-0690. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.