Suspect Steals Long Beach Police Vehicle, Talks on Radio Before Arrest

LONG BEACH — A man was arrested Tuesday morning after stealing a Long Beach police vehicle and leading officers on a brief chase before surrendering, authorities said.

The incident began around 6:05 a.m., when officers were conducting parking enforcement in the 800 block of West 12th Street. Police said a man, who was not connected to the operation, entered a police cruiser and drove off.

“Officers located the vehicle in the area of Pacific Place and Wardlow Road, and a brief vehicle pursuit ensued,” Long Beach police spokesman Eric Stachura said. “The suspect yielded to officers, and he was safely arrested.”

The stolen vehicle was a black-and-white police pickup truck that was seen overhead by KCAL helicopter. The outlet also reported that during the chase, the suspect got on the police radio and communicated with officers before surrendering.

The man’s identity was not immediately released. Police said the investigation into the theft remains ongoing.