Surveillance video released by Culver City Police Department captures the terrifying moments an alleged carjacker plowed into pedestrians at a gas station and multiple other locations across the city on June 16, striking eight people before his high-speed chase ended in a crash at a McDonald's drive-thru.
Background
Juan Luis Estrada, 45, of Perris, allegedly took a person's car at knifepoint in downtown Los Angeles before leading officers on a dangerous pursuit through Culver City. The rampage began shortly before 7 p.m. when police said Estrada was involved in a hit and run collision that injured four pedestrians near the gas station. While officers responded to that call, authorities said he struck another person and fled the scene.
As the chase continued, police said Estrada hit two juveniles riding an e-bike, then struck yet another pedestrian while attempting to escape. The video shows the suspect driving head-on into a person walking on the sidewalk as he passed through the gas station property, according to authorities. Another clip showed him driving directly into a victim near the fuel pumps, leaving them lying on the ground. A third video captured Estrada taking out a motorcycle rider before fleeing the station.
Another video released last week showed Estrada driving directly into the path of a 19-year-old crossing the street as he fled from officers, authorities said.
The Charges
Estrada was taken into custody after attempting to flee on foot. His bail has been set at $10.25 million. He faces ten counts of attempted murder, three counts of felony hit and run, one count of carjacking, battery on a peace officer, and felony evading a peace officer causing serious bodily injury, according to police.
Despite the violent nature of the rampage, authorities said the victims sustained non-life threatening injuries. The victims ranged in age from 15 to 70 years old. One officer sustained minor injuries during the arrest but was treated on scene.
"When officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, the suspect fled, leading officers on a pursuit through the city while driving recklessly and endangering the public," Culver City Police said in a statement. "Police said the suspect intentionally struck numerous pedestrians during his rampage."
Key Takeaways
- Juan Luis Estrada, 45, of Perris, allegedly carjacked a victim's vehicle at knifepoint before leading police on a destructive chase through Culver City
- Eight pedestrians were struck across multiple locations, ranging in age from 15 to 70 years old; all sustained non-life threatening injuries
- The suspect's rampage ended after he crashed into another vehicle in a McDonald's drive-thru
- Estrada has been charged with ten counts of attempted murder and additional felony charges including carjacking and felony evading causing serious bodily injury
- His bail is set at $10.25 million; the case remains under investigation
What's Next
Detectives continue to examine evidence and identify any other individuals who may have been involved in the incident. The investigation is ongoing as authorities review additional surveillance footage from multiple locations across Culver City. Estrada will face arraignment on the charges at a later date in Los Angeles County Superior Court.