Laguna Beach PD Shoot Hit and Run Suspect Following Pursuit

On March 11, 2021, at approximately 1819 hours, Laguna Beach police officer stooped a white Mercedes Benz for possible DUI in the area of Coast Highway and Smithcliff Rd. The driver yielded. As the officer approached the Mercedes, the driver accelerated away and collided with several vehicles. The officer followed the vehicle and a pursuit ensued. It was later discovered the Mercedes was an unreported stolen out of Newport Beach.

The officer pursued the Mercedes for approximately 18 minutes before officers successfully performed a PIT and brought the pursuit to a stop. At the conclusion of the pursuit an officer-involved shooting occurred.