Pursuit Suspect Arrested Along Hollywood Walk of Fame

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) – A man who police say was driving a stolen car was peacefully arrested Thursday night following a long pursuit that came to an end in front of dozens of onlookers along one of Los Angeles' most popular tourist destinations, the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The pursuit began before 7:30 p.m. in the 5700 block of Hollywood Boulevard when Los Angeles police began following a 2013 Dodge Avenger that had been reported stolen.

The chase, which reached speeds of 90 miles per hour, wound its way onto the southbound 101 Freeway, where California Highway Patrol joined in.

The suspect made his way inollywood, moving excruciatingly slowly through surface streets. He then jumped onto Hollywood Boulevard, driving along the Hollywood Walk of Fame as tourists lined the sidewalks with their phones out taking pictures and recording video. The suspect waved to tourists and talked to KCAL9 cameras throughout the ordeal.

With traffic heavy and officers throwing spike strips out in front of the car, the suspect eventually came to a stop at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland around 8:30 p.m. He surrendered and was taken into custody. He was not armed, police said.

The exact circumstances that prompted the chase and the name of the suspect was not immediately confirmed.

For a closer look at the anatomy of a police pursuit in Los Angeles, check out this piece from CBS2 reporter Stu Mundel.