California leads US in bystander police chase deaths; new bill seeks high-tech solution
New numbers show how often police chases turn deadly
In 2022 alone, there were nearly 12,000 police pursuits in California; 34 people were killed, according to Rep. Laura Friedman, who is pushing a new bill to help prevent and de-escalate police chases with new technology. So far, it appears that 2026 could be another significant year for pursuits.
GLENDALE, Calif. - A high-speed police chase involving federal agents ended in a crash in Montrose on Thursday, fueling a bipartisan push in Congress to fund safer alternatives to traditional pursuits.
The proposed legislation seeks to curb the rising toll of bystander deaths through advanced technology.
What we know:
The latest incident involved a driver fleeing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents before crashing his BMW into a dentist's office lawn.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man fleeing federal agents at large after crashing into sign outside Montrose dentist office
While no injuries were reported in this specific incident, the statistics for California are grim.
In 2022, nearly 12,000 pursuits occurred in the state, resulting in 34 deaths.
Recent tragedies, including the death of a grandmother in San Clemente involving a stolen U-Haul, have underscored the danger to the public.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: San Clemente pursuit crash: Innocent person killed after stolen U-Haul slams into car
SUGGESTED COVERAGE: Police chase takes a dangerous turn in Jurupa Valley
A standoff is underway involving a car chase suspect in Jurupa Valley.
What they're saying:
Rep. Laura Friedman, who is co-authoring the Next Gen Road Safety Act, argues that law enforcement shouldn't have to choose between catching a suspect and public safety.
"When you invest in a smarter, safer policing strategy or technology, everyone benefits," Friedman stated.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Suspect dies after Riverside County car chase ends in crash and SWAT standoff
- 2 innocent people killed in Pomona after DUI suspect rams police car, triggers fatal chase
Local law enforcement agencies have expressed support for the bill, noting it would allow them to modernize without draining existing budgets.
SUGGESTED COVERAGE: Police chase in Pomona ends in deadly crash
Two people are dead after a high-speed police pursuit ended in a violent two-vehicle collision in Pomona late Wednesday night.
What's next:
The Next Gen Road Safety Act aims to unlock federal dollars for police agencies to acquire non-traditional tools.
These include drones, "grappler" systems designed to snag rear tires, and vehicle-disabling technology.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: LAPD pursuit crash: 1 dead, 1 hospitalized after shots fired by officers in East Los Angeles
Proponents believe that a consistent stream of federal funding will encourage tech innovators to develop even more sophisticated tools to end pursuits before they become deadly.
The Source: This report is based on direct interviews with legislators and eyewitnesses. Information regarding pursuit statistics and legislative details was gathered through public records, congressional briefings, and inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security.