LAPD Officers Involved in Crash After San Fernando Valley Chase

Pursuit ended with a two-vehicle collision, leaving officers and suspects injured

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

A police pursuit in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles ended in a crash on Saturday night, involving at least one LAPD patrol car. The collision in the Reseda area left one officer trapped inside their vehicle, and a total of three people were transported to the hospital, two in critical condition and one in fair condition.

Why it matters

High-speed police chases can pose significant risks to both officers and the public, raising concerns about pursuit policies and procedures. This incident highlights the potential dangers when these situations escalate, underscoring the need for careful evaluation of when to initiate and continue vehicle pursuits.

The details

The chase began after a report of a possible DUI driver. The two-vehicle crash occurred in the 8300 block of North Wilbur Avenue in the Reseda neighborhood. Paramedics responded and transported three people to the hospital, with two men in critical condition and a third in fair condition. The suspect who prompted the initial pursuit was taken into custody.

  • The chase and crash occurred on Saturday night.

The players

Los Angeles Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Los Angeles.

LAFD

The Los Angeles Fire Department, which responded to the scene and transported the injured parties to the hospital.

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What’s next

Authorities will investigate the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and crash, including the decision to initiate the chase, the driving behaviors of both the officers and the suspect, and any potential policy violations.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for continued evaluation and refinement of police pursuit policies to balance the need for public safety with the risks posed by high-speed chases through populated areas.