Police Helicopter Tracks Reckless BMW Driver, Chase Ends in Crash

Public Announcement
Aug 27
1 min read

A reckless driver who was tracked by police helicopter ABLE at speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour crashed late Friday night after attempting to evade authorities, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Around 10:45 p.m., San Diego Police Department’s ABLE helicopter spotted a silver BMW racing eastbound on State Route 94 at dangerous speeds. The aircrew monitored the vehicle and requested CHP assistance.

The BMW briefly pulled into a driveway near La Mesa but quickly fled again, apparently after noticing the helicopter overhead. A CHP officer attempted a traffic stop, which led to a pursuit.

At approximately 11:06 p.m., the chase ended at Kenwood Drive and Campo Road in Spring Valley when the BMW slammed into a white SUV. Investigators say the SUV's driver had just pulled out of a taco shop when the speeding BMW struck it. The vehicle’s owner told Officers he had just purchased the SUV, making the crash especially frustrating.

No injuries were reported in the collision. Both the BMW’s driver and passenger were taken into custody.

Officers also noted that the BMW’s license plates had been removed, potentially an attempt by the owner to conceal the vehicle’s identity while driving recklessly.

CHP is handling the investigation.