A look back at ABC7's top stories and videos of 2023

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- From extreme weather to bizarre moments caught on video, it's been a year full of headlines in Southern California.

ABC7's most read story of 2023 was: Police warn drivers of 'pump switching' scam at gas stations. The story spotlights a scam that targets drivers who use credit cards to pay at the pump.

Below are our top visited stories and most watched videos of the year.

Most read stories

1. Police warn drivers of 'pump switching' scam at gas stations

2. California woman kidnapped in Mexico last year has been found, FBI says

3. Teen faces charge after emergency dash to hospital interrupted by Arkansas State Police PIT maneuver

4. California couple loses homeowners' insurance after draining their swimming pool to save water

5. California insurance company drops customer after 'drone' took aerial images of yard

Most watched videos

1. American Airlines reviewing video showing baggage handler releasing wheelchair down jet bridge chute


2. UFO mystery in Las Vegas? How officers responded to bizarre 911 call


3. Scientists unveil pair of 'mummified alien' corpses to Mexico Congress


4. California insurance company drops customer after 'drone' took aerial images of yard


5. Here's what Hurricane Hilary's spaghetti model means

Top videos on social media

1. This homeowner wasn't fooled by the intruders (91 million views on YouTube)



2. Suspect waving gun struck by police car in New York (51 million views on YouTube)



3. Plane appears to pause in midair in optical illusion (19.5 million views on TikTok)



4. Parents run to grab sleeping babies during 5.1 earthquake in Ventura County (33 million views on YouTube)



5. Bridge patrol officer returns iPhone dropped on Golden Gate Bridge ledge (31 million views on YouTube)

Most visited weather stories

Hilary, the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, created very unusual sites. In a region accustomed to dry and sunny weather, this year also brought a record-setting blizzard and tornadoes.

1. Tropical Storm Hilary drenches Southern California

2. EF-1 tornado rips the roofs off buildings in Montebello, 11 buildings red-tagged and 1 person hurt

3. Light dusting of snow falls near Hollywood sign

4. Powerful winter storm reaches SoCal, with LA region's 1st blizzard warning since 1989

5. Large 'HELP US!!' message written in snow spotted in Crestline as some residents grow desperate

Most watched police chases

Southern California is known for high-speed police chases. ABC7's most viewed local pursuit this year involved a carjacking suspect who was in a rolling shootout with authorities.

1. Carjacking suspect ID'd after shootout with police during wild chase through several SoCal counties


2. Suspect killed after leading chase in stolen CHP vehicle, jumping from speeding car on 138 Freeway


3. LAPD chases attempted-murder suspect for 2 hours, in 2 different vehicles through Los Angeles


4. Suspect in custody after lengthy standoff, chase through Compton


5. Chase suspect rams police cars, runs across 91 Freeway in Corona before arrest at Denny's

Most visited animal stories

The year has been tough in many ways, but there have been some lighter moments, including amazing animal stories.

1. Dog runs away from home, sneaks into Metallica concert at SoFi Stadium

2. Drone captures rare moment moose sheds antlers in forest | VIDEO

3. Big Bear bald eagles seen nearly covered in snow; take turns keeping their eggs warm

4. Video captures gray whale giving birth to calf off coast of Dana Point

5. Bear hangs from 2nd-floor window, climbs into home and then eats family's pork chops