WEST HOLLYWOOD—A 911 caller reported a stolen Dodge Charger just before Sunday, July 26. Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station began a chase with the vehicle around 12:41 a.m., WeHoOnline.com first reported. The car had an Arizona license plate.
Officers began the pursuit near Sunset Boulevard and North Clark Street and followed the Charger westbound on Sunset Blvd. The chase turned south onto Larrabee Street. Just after 12:48 a.m., officers lost sight of the vehicle.
Deputies set up a containment area north of Santa Monica Boulevard to try to relocate the suspects. They positioned units at nearby intersections and checked with security at a nearby bar. One suspect was taken into custody around 12:58 a.m., while others ran off on foot.
The incident comes just days before the city of West Hollywood is expected to begin a drone pilot program that will have drones acting as first responders. The Drone as a First Responder program, or DFR, will allow deputies to test the efficacy of drones aiding law enforcement in the real world.
The pilot will be conducted over one year and will cost $750,000. The program is anticipated to be up and running by late July. West Hollywood will be the first sheriff’s station in Los Angeles County to implement such a program.
West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station Captain Fanny Lapkin informed reporters the drone will act as law enforcement’s eyes in the sky.
By Milan Manesh