In a shocking incident in Torrance, California, a stolen vehicle involved in a police pursuit struck a woman as she was crossing the street. Maria Salazar, who was carrying grocery bags, was hit by the vehicle at the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard in Los Angeles’ Harbor City area. Thankfully, Salazar did not sustain any serious injuries.
The Incident and Police Pursuit
The pursuit began when Torrance Police Department officers were chasing a suspect who had been involved in two carjackings. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department had alerted the Torrance police about the suspect. The suspect, after carjacking a woman’s vehicle at the Del Amo Fashion Center parking structure, drove away in her stolen Prius. Officers spotted the suspect leaving the mall and pursued him.
During the chase, a Torrance officer intercepted the suspect vehicle near Vermont and Sepulveda, causing it to strike Maria Salazar, who was crossing the street at the time. Salazar, caught off guard by the impact, recalled, “I was crossing the street, and I don’t remember anything. I just felt the impact.”
Maria Salazar’s Remarkable Recovery
Although knocked to the ground by the collision, Maria Salazar quickly got up and walked home. Later, she decided to go to the hospital for a check-up. Thankfully, her injuries were not severe, allowing her to escape any major harm.
The Aftermath and Suspect’s Arrest
Following a brief foot chase, the suspect was eventually apprehended by the police. The suspect was then released into the custody of the sheriff’s department.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise during police pursuits and the impact they can have on innocent bystanders. The Torrance Police Department is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
For more information and video footage of the incident, you can visit the NBC Los Angeles article.
Image Source: Telemundo