Pursuit Driver Speeds Through LA River With Hood Up

The driver led deputies on a chase before crashing and fleeing on foot.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Early Friday morning, a driver led deputies on a pursuit along the 710 Freeway in the Bell area of Los Angeles. During the chase, the driver was seen speeding through the LA River with the vehicle's hood covering the front of the car. The driver eventually spun out near the 710 Freeway and Rosemead Boulevard, then tried to flee on foot before being apprehended by deputies.

Why it matters

High-speed pursuits through urban areas can pose serious risks to public safety, and this incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement and the public face when dealing with reckless drivers. The fact that the driver's vision was obstructed by the lifted hood adds an additional layer of concern about the potential for harm.

The details

According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, the pursuit began around 2 a.m. along the 710 Freeway in Bell. The driver entered the LA River and drove alongside the freeway at high speeds with the vehicle's hood covering the front. The driver eventually spun out near the 710 Freeway and Rosemead Boulevard in the El Monte area, then attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody by deputies.

  • The pursuit began around 2 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that initiated the pursuit and apprehended the driver.

Unidentified driver

The individual who led deputies on the high-speed chase through the LA River with the vehicle's hood obstructing their view.

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What’s next

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is investigating the reason for the initial pursuit and the driver's actions during the chase.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the public to ensure the safety of all road users.