Suspect steals police cruiser in downtown LA, crashes into civilian vehicle after brief chase

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man stole a Los Angeles Police Department patrol cruiser early Sunday in downtown L.A., dragging an officer and then crashing into a civilian vehicle after a brief pursuit, authorities said.

The incident began about 3:30 a.m. at Oceanwide Plaza, near 12th and Figueroa streets, where the suspect somehow got into the police SUV and drove away, and LAPD spokesperson said.

A female officer was either inside or near the vehicle at the time, and it was unclear if she was pushed out or holding onto the SUV while attempting to stop the suspect, the spokesperson said. She was dragged by the moving vehicle and suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

Other officers chased the stolen patrol unit, which crashed shortly afterward at the intersection of Eighth and Figueroa streets, the LAPD said.

"After the collision he continued north bound Fig where the vehicle came to rest at 7th and Fig," the Police Department said in a statement. "He got out of the police vehicle and attempted to flee but was apprehended."

Two civilians were injured in the collision. They and the injured officer were transported to a hospital.