A chaotic and violent situation unfolded in downtown Los Angeles early Sunday morning when a man stole an LAPD patrol vehicle with the officer still inside before causing a multi-vehicle pileup.
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when, according to police, a female officer was conducting “security detail” at 12th and Figueroa streets.
“At some point, the suspect approached her, got into her vehicle and drove off,” LAPD Lt. James Mylonakis told KTLA’s Annie Rose Ramos. The officer was “ejected” from the SUV and fell onto the road.
The damaged LAPD cruiser is seen on Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles on May 19, 2024. (KTLA) 
One of vehicles damaged after a man stole an LAPD patrol vehicle and caused a pileup in downtown Los Angeles. May 19, 2024. (KTLA) 
One of vehicles damaged after a man stole an LAPD patrol vehicle and caused a pileup in downtown Los Angeles. May 19, 2024. (KTLA)
The suspect sped away northbound on Figueroa Street, where he first collided with at least two vehicles at the intersection of 8th Street and then crashed into a pole. He then tried to run from the scene but was quickly apprehended, police said.
Several people, including the officer, sustained injuries, although none appeared to be life-threatening.
The area surrounding 8th and Figueroa was closed for several hours as authorities investigated the case, spoke with witnesses and began to clear the wreckage and debris.
