A harrowing carjacking and high-speed police chase that began in East Los Angeles and ended in a violent crash in Malibu left three young children injured, their mother speaking out about the “heart-wrenching” ordeal. The incident, which unfolded on Friday, August 29, 2025, has sparked renewed concerns about public safety across the Los Angeles area and serves as a stark warning from law enforcement.
The Start of a Nightmare in East Los Angeles
The terrifying sequence of events began around 6:40 p.m. when a mother briefly left her Chrysler sedan running with her three sons, aged 2, 7, and 9, inside at a 7-Eleven on East Olympic Boulevard and South Arizona Avenue in East Los Angeles. Her husband was parked nearby, keeping an eye on the children while she ran in to grab them a snack. In a moment of unimaginable horror, a man allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat and sped away, even striking the father who attempted to intervene. The mother, hearing her children’s cries, rushed out only to see her car, with her sons inside, disappearing down the street.
A Desperate Pursuit Across Los Angeles County
What followed was a tense, hour-long pursuit that captured widespread attention across Los Angeles. The suspect, described by family members as agitated and aggressive, reportedly reached speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, with police and helicopters tracking the stolen vehicle. During the chase, the suspect was heard screaming at the children to throw items out of the sunroof in a bid to evade authorities. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) took over the pursuit from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) as the vehicle headed west on the 10 Freeway.
Crash in Malibu and Suspect’s Capture
The pursuit ultimately came to a devastating conclusion on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) at the intersection of Kanan Dume Road in Malibu. The stolen sedan T-boned another vehicle, causing significant damage. Following the crash, the suspect immediately fled the scene on foot, shedding clothing and scaling fences in an attempt to escape. Law enforcement officers, however, apprehended him shortly thereafter. Four individuals in total were injured: the three children and the driver of the other vehicle.
Family’s Trauma and the Children’s Recovery
The three young brothers were airlifted to UCLA Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries. The oldest son described seeing someone touching their car before the theft, while the mother recounted the sheer terror of watching helplessly as her children were driven away. “You blink and you see a stranger in the car with your kids,” the mother, identified as Tersa Tax, told FOX 11. “Your kids are crying and desperate for their mom.” She shared that her sons were so frightened they undid their seatbelts. One boy suffered a concussion, and another sustained a leg injury. The family is now focused on recovery, both physically and emotionally. A GoFundMe page has been established to support them through this challenging time.
A Stark Warning from Authorities
Law enforcement officials have reiterated the critical importance of never leaving a vehicle running and unoccupied, especially when children are present. This current incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers associated with such practices. As this trending news continues to develop, the Los Angeles community is reminded of the constant need for vigilance and awareness regarding crime and public safety.
