Car theft isn’t an unusual occurrence in the United States. Tragically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that thieves stole a car every 31 seconds in the United States in 2023. However, not every theft leads to a high-speed chase with police. Even fewer end in a deadly crash on live TV.

A driver died after she crashed a reportedly stolen Honda CR-V during a high-speed chase with police

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) chased an alleged car thief on the famed Interstate-5 (I-5) highway after crashing her Honda CR-V. According to KTLA, the high-speed chase started with LAPD officers following the reportedly stolen CR-V in the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles (LA). 

However, the driver chose to run from the pursuing officers, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph. As the fleeing Honda CR-V traveled north on I-5, California Highway Patrol (CHP) units continued the pursuit. An air unit confirmed that CHP officers were keeping a bit of distance from the speeding SUV due to high traffic density and safety concerns. 

Tragically, the driver became desperate to lose the cops. She reportedly executed a few “risky moves” including a faux exit. The sequence of dangerous maneuvers came to a close when the driver crashed attempting to make a highway exit at speed. After losing control, the gray Honda SUV rolled under an overpass and came to a stop. 

CHP confirmed that the driver attempted the exit far too quickly. “Unfortunately, the vehicle was going too fast to negotiate the curve at the transition of the 5 South to the 138 and crashed.” Officers on the scene confirmed the woman’s death, citing an apparent ejection from the vehicle. It’s unclear whether the driver used any sort of seat belt or restraint.

Check out a video of the chase below!