Driver Flees LAPD in Stolen Mustang Chase
A Ford Mustang driver led Los Angeles police on a nearly half-hour pursuit through the Valley and onto major freeways before crashing in Sherman Oaks.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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The pursuit began shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday, November 5, on Mulholland Drive, when police reportedly believed the Ford Mustang was stolen and attempted a traffic stop. The driver allegedly reached speeds of about 80 miles per hour before crashing on Woodcliff Road in Sherman Oaks.
Why it matters
The chase shows the risks high-performance muscle cars pose when drivers refuse to stop, endangering motorists and officers on busy Los Angeles-area roads. It also highlights how police respond to suspected stolen vehicles in the Los Angeles area.
The pursuit reportedly lasted nearly a half hour with the Mustang reaching about 80 miles per hour across Highway 101 and Interstate 405. The Mustang Dark Horse is rated at 500 horsepower, though the extraction does not confirm that the vehicle involved was that trim.
The players
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
The city's primary police agency, which initiated the traffic stop and conducted the pursuit that led to the arrest. LAPD is the largest municipal police department in California and serves the city of Los Angeles.
The details
The driver allegedly failed to stop for police, leading to a chase that reportedly covered Mulholland Drive, Highway 101 and Interstate 405 before the Mustang crashed on Woodcliff Road. The injured driver attempted to flee on foot but was caught, while a passenger was detained and later released after questioning.
Timeline
Shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday, November 5: LAPD pursuit of the Ford Mustang begins on Mulholland Drive.
Thursday, November 5: The driver crashes on Woodcliff Road in Sherman Oaks and is caught on foot.
Performance Vehicles Context
Under California Vehicle Code Section 2800.2, felony evading charges apply when a driver willfully flees from police in a manner that endangers others, and this case fits that pattern. High-horsepower vehicles like the Mustang are frequently involved in such pursuits because their speed capabilities make stops harder for officers to execute safely.
Drivers of high-performance vehicles face serious felony charges if they flee from police, even after a crash. Residents of Los Angeles and surrounding areas should be aware that pursuits on Mulholland Drive and nearby freeways can pose risks to other motorists.
The takeaway
Pulling over when police signal is the safest choice, since fleeing at high speed can lead to felony charges and serious danger to everyone on the road.
Further reading
Explore more on Performance Vehicles for context on high-horsepower cars and the risks they pose on the road.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Road & Track.
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