05/19/2024 03:20 am (GMT-0700) | DTLA

At approximately 3:20 a.m., LAPD Central Division officers responded to a police officer's backup request. A male suspect somehow took control of an LAPD cruiser and fled the scene northbound on Figueroa from an unknown location. The suspect then collided with two cars at the intersection of 8th and Figueroa. The suspect in the police cruiser then crashed into a light pole in front of the 7th at Fig shopping center. The suspect fled the scene into a courtyard located in the shopping center where he was soon taken into custody. At least one female officer was injured in the altercation and was transported from the scene in unknown condition. A witness at the scene, who declined to be identified, stated that the officer was dragged by the suspect in the police cruiser for an unknown distance. In addition, at least one occupant of one of the vehicles involved in the initial collision was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.

According to the LAPD in an update later on Sunday regarding the incident, an LAPD officer working a security detail at 12th Street and Figueroa was approached by a suspect who managed to enter her vehicle. The suspect drove off with the police vehicle and at some point, the officer was ejected from the vehicle.