Tag: California Highway Patrol (CHP)

BEL AIR—On July 28, a semi-truck blew out a tire along Sepulveda Pass crossing all lanes of traffic before going down the embankment. The carpool lane and two left lanes of traffic were completely blocked causing detours through Beverly Glen on I-405.

An eyewitness captured video of a newer model white Mercedes-Benz SUV in a chase on 405. Reports indicate the vehicle was reported as stolen from the Laguna area. The suspects were reportedly armed and dangerous. Initial reports indicate the chase originated in the Metro area. Two suspects inside the vehicle were seen wearing ski masks.

On July 26, a crash on Freeway 405 near Sepulveda Boulevard shut down two lanes of traffic. The California Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred at 1:40 a.m. The crash caused sparks that ignited a small brush fire. Ash and smokes billowed over the freeway.

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire expediently. Caltrans resumed repaving work from July 24 thru July 27. Key 101/405 connections and ramps were completely closed to thru traffic. Speed limits for the work zone dropped to 55 mph.

Motorists were encouraged to use designated detours as roadwork resumes.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA/SHERMAN OAKS—A road rage incident involving a firearm escalated into a roughly 45-minute, multi-agency pursuit with speeds reaching over 100 mph. On July 3, around 8:25 p.m., an adult male driving a black Range Rover fired a gunshot at another driver during a road rage confrontation near Cloverfield Boulevard and Broadway in Santa Monica.

The bullet did not strike the victim but damaged the victim’s vehicle. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived later in the night.

Investigators with the Santa Monica Police Department tracked him down on Tuesday, July 21, around 7 a.m., with Lt. Lewis Gilmour of the SMPD confirming that officers located him in the San Fernando Valley and attempted to arrest him.

The suspect did not pull over, but instead ran from law enforcement, triggering a high-speed chase. The California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit, which passed through Sherman Oaks on the southbound 405 Freeway before continuing through Pacoima, Koreatown, and into the San Gabriel Valley, where it ended following a PIT maneuver by CHP.

The suspect was taken into custody at approximately 8 a.m. False reports have been circling online and on social media linking the suspect to Monday’s fatal shooting near the Santa Monica Pier. The SMPD made clear via an official statement and tweet that read:

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information, including any arrest or charging information, will be released when appropriate.

This suspect and incident are unrelated to the July 20, 2026 homicide investigation at Santa Monica Pier Parking Lot 1 North.”

By Milan Manesh

WESTWOOD—On Wednesday, July 1, officers from the Hayward Police Department, The California Highway Patrol (CHP), worked alongside the Los Angeles Police Department to locate 3-month-old Maxence Sirois and his biological mother, Marina Kazakova, who were the subjects of an Amber Alert issued on June 30. The baby was found safe, and the mother was taken into custody at the Los Angeles County Jail. According to reports, the CHP initiated the Amber Alert for Almeda, San Joaquin, Kern, and Los Angeles counties indicating that the infant had been abducted. The mother of the infant was driving a white 2016 Mazda CX-5 SUV with California license plate number 7SJW898. Kazakova reportedly did not bring her son back to his home following their visitation as mandated by the courts. The infant had been missing since June 28. CHP investigators located the vehicle in Westwood on July 1, at approximately 11:30 p.m. Both mother and baby were found safe in the vicinity of Wilshire Boulevard and Veterans Avenue. Investigators indicated that Kazakova was attempting to secure a passport before being taken into custody. Kazakova has been compliant with the investigation. “3-month-old Maxence has been located safe and unharmed. Kazakova is in custody and we are currently working on reuniti8ng Maxence with his father. The Hayward Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the California Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and our allied law enforcement partners for their outstanding collaboration, dedication, and swift response in bringing this incident to a safe resolution. We also thank the media and community members who quickly shared the information about the AMBER Alert. Your assistance played an important role in raising awareness and helping bring this case to a successful conclusion,” said the Hayward Police Department. By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On June 29, the Santa Monica Police Department issued a statement encouraging drivers to follow posted speed limit signs during the month of July, and beyond, to ensure safety on the roads.

The statement advises that during July 2026, the Police Department will have additional patrol officers monitoring traffic, speed, and drivers who are driving too fast for the roads given conditions.

The Police Department is asking drivers to plan ahead, follow posted speed limit signs, adjust their speed for weather related conditions, and avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or weaving through traffic.

In addition to SMPD, on June 30, the California Highway Patrol department issued a statement for individuals who will be driving or on the road during the Fourth of July weekend. CHP will roll out its officers in full force, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and running until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. The CHP will be issuing out 100 undercover patrol vehicles to monitor California streets over the holiday weekend.

The California Highway Patrol reported on its website during 2025’s 78-hour Independence Day HEP, CHP officers responded to more than 850 speed-related crashes. At least seven of those collisions resulted in the loss of life, and nearly 400 crashes resulted in injuries to those involved. In addition, CHP officers made 1,311 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every three and a half minutes.

With the Fourth of July Holiday approaching, CHP advises drivers to slow down, take precautions, and report drivers who are driving dangerously on the roads by calling 9-1-1.

By Megan Hanson

SHERMAN OAKS—On Saturday, March 7, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a motorcyclist was seriously injured on 405 Freeway closest to the off ramp at Burbank Boulevard. According to the California Highway Patrol, the motorcycle and a vehicle collided while traveling northbound. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics were called to the scene to administer first aid. The motorcyclist was transported to an area hospital in serious condition. There were no other injuries reported. There were no arrests made, but the motorcycle and the vehicle involved in the crash were on the shoulder. LAFD requested assistance to manage traffic, while the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane and additional lanes were temporarily closed to through traffic while crews worked the scene. Both lanes reopened. Names of the individuals have not been released on the incident.   By Sharon