La Cañada Flintridge, CA — Authorities have identified the suspect killed in a high-speed police pursuit that ended in a catastrophic crash on the Foothill (210) Freeway Friday morning. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed the deceased as 26-year-old Matyes Getachew.
The pursuit began shortly after 10:00 a.m. when Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of grand theft at a Target store located at 209 W. Ventura Blvd. in Camarillo. Getachew, accused of stealing merchandise valued at more than $950—a threshold that classifies the crime as felony grand theft in California—fled the scene in a black Honda SUV.
The chase quickly escalated as Getachew sped through Ventura County and into Los Angeles County. Around 10:50 a.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) took over the pursuit near the Ronald Reagan (118) Freeway at Balboa Boulevard. Ground units, supported by aerial surveillance, tracked the suspect as he reached speeds of over 110 miles per hour.
CHP Officer Erik Larsen described the chase as “extremely dangerous,” noting that Getachew’s erratic driving put countless motorists at risk. Dashcam footage and aerial views reportedly captured the vehicle weaving through traffic at high velocity along the eastbound 210 Freeway.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., just west of the State Route 2 interchange, the pursuit came to a tragic end. According to investigators, Getachew’s vehicle collided with the rear corner of an orange dump truck. The impact sheared off the left side of the SUV, scattering debris across multiple lanes and bringing the chase to a deadly conclusion.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene. CHP officers found Getachew unresponsive on the pavement near Ocean View Boulevard, where the cities of Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, and Montrose intersect. Officers attempted CPR, but Getachew was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics at 11:18 a.m.
A SigAlert was issued at 11:32 a.m., shutting down several lanes of the 210 Freeway and transition ramps to the Glendale (2) Freeway. The crash resulted in hours of congestion as investigators with CHP’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team combed the scene to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.
Authorities are examining whether mechanical issues, road conditions, or possible impairment may have contributed to the crash. The investigation remains active, and officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 654-9511.
The fatal pursuit has reignited ongoing debates about the dangers of high-speed police chases, especially in densely populated areas. While law enforcement officials stress the importance of apprehending suspects, critics argue for stricter pursuit policies that prioritize public safety.
As questions linger about what led Getachew to flee and what circumstances surrounded his final moments, Friday’s events serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly routine police work can escalate into deadly consequences. The community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the broader implications of a chase that began with shoplifting and ended in tragedy.