Woman drives car onto Venice Pier, sparks chase and arrests
A driver steered a car onto the pedestrian walkway of Venice Pier, prompting a frantic escape that ended with a police pursuit and her eventual arrest.
During a typical Sunday evening at Venice Pier, a woman accelerated her car onto the walkway reserved for pedestrians, causing panic among tourists and locals. Witnesses reported the driver’s headlights were off and the passenger-side window was covered in tape. The car hit a cyclist before the driver fled, prompting a citywide chase that saw the suspect ram multiple LAPD vehicles.
The pursuit ended around 10:30 p.m. near Via Marina and Pacific Avenue, where officers finally detained her after a standoff. Two police officers sustained injuries—one during a tactical immobilization maneuver and another while breaking the driver’s window. Authorities said the woman faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence.
Why it matters
The incident highlights public safety risks when vehicles enter pedestrian zones and the challenges of high-speed police pursuits.
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