Three burglary suspects are dead after a high-speed police chase ended in a crash on the 5 Freeway in Anaheim, according to authorities. The incident began when officers attempted to stop a vehicle suspected to be involved in multiple burglaries. The driver refused to yield, initiating a pursuit that reached dangerously high speeds.
The California Highway Patrol joined the pursuit as it moved onto the freeway. Witnesses reported the suspect vehicle weaving through traffic and traveling at excessive speeds, prompting concerns for public safety.
At some point during the chase, the suspects’ vehicle lost control and crashed near the Euclid Street exit. The car reportedly struck a barrier and overturned, sustaining significant damage. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but three of the suspects were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth person in the vehicle was critically injured and transported to a nearby hospital.
Authorities said no other vehicles were involved in the collision. The identities of the suspects have not yet been released pending notification of their families.
Law enforcement officials said the suspects were believed to be connected to a string of burglaries across Southern California. Investigators are now working to link the suspects to specific incidents and recover stolen property.
Traffic on the southbound 5 Freeway was severely affected for several hours as crews cleared the wreckage and began the investigation. The crash scene was described as chaotic, with debris scattered across multiple lanes.
The Anaheim Police Department and CHP are collaborating on the investigation. Officers stressed that while pursuits are always a last resort, the nature of the suspects’ crimes and behavior during the chase left them with few options.
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information about the suspects or related burglaries to contact local law enforcement.
This tragic incident has once again sparked debate about the dangers of high-speed chases, with some calling for revised policies that emphasize public safety while still holding suspects accountable. Police departments in California and across the country have increasingly turned to tools like GPS tracking darts and air surveillance to reduce the risks associated with such pursuits.
As the investigation continues, officials say they will review body camera footage, dash cam video, and traffic cameras to better understand the moments leading up to the fatal crash.
No officers or civilians outside the suspect vehicle were injured in the incident. Authorities say updates will be released as more information becomes available.
