Share and Follow
A suspect was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase with a stolen van in Santa Monica Wednesday night.
The male driver, identified as Alex Villegas, 21, of Santa Monica, drove recklessly and at times, traveled on the wrong side of the road while narrowly missing pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles.
He ran through red lights and at one point, collided with an SUV before speeding away. He crashed into a second car and eventually ditched the work van near Colorado Avenue and Main Street and fled on foot.
-
Officers seen in pursuit of the driver of a stolen work van in Santa Monica on March 26, 2025. (KTLA) -
The suspect crashed into another vehicle during a pursuit in Santa Monica on March 26, 2025. (KTLA) -
The suspect ditched the stolen van and began running towards the Santa Monica Pier on March 26, 2025. (KTLA) -
The suspect ditched the stolen van and began running towards the Santa Monica Pier on March 26, 2025. (KTLA) -
The suspect surrendered to police on the Santa Monica Pier on March 26, 2025. (KTLA) -
The suspect surrendered to police on the Santa Monica Pier on March 26, 2025. (KTLA) -
Officers seen in pursuit of the driver of a stolen work van in Santa Monica on March 26, 2025. (KTLA) -
Officers seen in pursuit of the driver of a stolen work van in Santa Monica on March 26, 2025. (KTLA) -
Officers seen in pursuit of the driver of a stolen work van in Santa Monica on March 26, 2025. (KTLA) -
Officers seen in pursuit of the driver of a stolen work van in Santa Monica on March 26, 2025. (KTLA)
Villegas ran towards the Santa Monica Pier as stunned bystanders looked on. He eventually laid down and surrendered to officers near the pier sign.
He was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, two counts of a hit-and-run, and felony evading.
The pursuit began out of Simi Valley before the suspect hit the 118 Freeway, then the 405 Freeway and traveled to the Santa Monica area.
The work van was initially stolen near Tapo Canyon Road and Alamo Street in Simi Valley. Police confirmed the van was later returned to its registered owner.
Footage of the pursuit can be seen in the video player above.