A vehicle stolen from Redondo Beach led to a high-speed pursuit topping 100 mph through San Diego County early Sunday, August 2, ending with two Los Angeles-area juveniles in custody.
The Redondo Beach Police Department had not released information about the original theft or the arrests as of Monday, August 3. The incident was reported by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, which tracked and stopped the car roughly 100 miles from where it was taken.
The sheriff's office said its ASTREA helicopter unit picked up a license plate reader alert at about 1 a.m. for the stolen car traveling eastbound on Interstate 8 from El Cajon. Deputies confirmed the vehicle had been stolen from the Redondo Beach area, according to 10News, which published the City News Service report.
Deputies attempted a traffic stop near the Willows Road exit in Alpine. The driver refused to yield.
San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. Jason Phillips said the driver accelerated past 100 mph, exited the freeway, then re-entered heading westbound on I-8 with the helicopter tracking overhead. Deputies from the Alpine and Lakeside stations coordinated with California Highway Patrol officers during the pursuit.
"California Highway Patrol officers successfully deployed tire deflation devices prior to the Mollison Avenue exit as the driver exited the freeway," Phillips said in a statement reported by East County Magazine. "Both the driver and passenger abandoned the moving vehicle and ran from the scene."
CHP apprehended the driver on foot. The passenger was caught shortly after with guidance from the helicopter crew.
Both suspects were booked on charges of evading a peace officer with disregard for public safety, auto theft, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Their identities were not released because they are minors.
No injuries were reported. The vehicle was recovered and its registered owner notified.
Phillips credited the sheriff's license plate reader system for flagging the car in the first place, calling it a critical tool for identifying and apprehending offenders.
A Redondo Beach Police Department spokesperson can be reached at (310) 379-5411 for information about the original theft report. The department's most recent 2026 press release is dated Wednesday, July 1.
