Mustang Dark Horse Driver Tries to Outrun LAPD, Ends In Violent Crash

Image Credit: KNN News.

California's famous Mulholland Drive is a road every car enthusiast should drive at least once. However, we don't recommend being quite as enthusiastic as the driver of a 500-horsepower Ford Mustang Dark Horse who decided to outrun the Los Angeles Police Department.

The black Mustang led officers through several Los Angeles roads in the early hours of November 5, reportedly reaching speeds of approximately 80 mph. The pursuit eventually ended in a violent crash near a residential property in Sherman Oaks.

Two men were detained following the incident, with one requiring medical attention after the collision. The other apparently had plenty to say about the driver's unsuccessful attempt to outrun police.

As originally reported by the New York Post, the passenger was captured on video boasting about his own driving abilities, despite claiming he had recently been released from jail for felony evading. Additional reporting from Road & Track identified the Mustang as a Dark Horse and provided further details about the pursuit.

A High-Speed Chase Through Los Angeles

According to the LAPD, the pursuit began around 1:07 a.m. near Saticoy Street and Sepulveda Boulevard. Officers initially suspected the Mustang might have been stolen, although authorities later confirmed that wasn't the case.

The driver reportedly traveled along Mulholland Drive, Highway 101, and Interstate 405 while attempting to escape. Footage showed the Mustang negotiating tight bends as police cruisers followed through the darkness.

Spike Strips Bring the Chase to an End

Police eventually deployed spike strips, disabling the Mustang before it crashed into bushes near a home on Woodcliff Road in Sherman Oaks. Video from the scene showed extensive front-end damage and deployed airbags.

The driver reportedly attempted to flee on foot despite suffering injuries but was quickly apprehended. Emergency responders treated two men at the scene, with one transported to a hospital.

Passenger Claims He Could Have Escaped

The passenger's comments became one of the incident's most unusual details. Speaking to officers after the crash, he claimed he had recently been imprisoned for felony evading.

"If I was driving, you wouldn't have caught me, I swear to God," he reportedly told police. Despite those remarks, authorities released the passenger following questioning. The driver, meanwhile, faces a felony evading charge.

A Powerful Mustang Meets a Bad Ending

The Mustang Dark Horse produces 500 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8, making it one of Ford's most capable modern performance Mustangs. Its upgraded chassis and handling hardware are designed for demanding roads and track driving.

Mulholland Drive's narrow corners and nearby homes leave little room for mistakes, particularly during a nighttime pursuit. Fortunately, no spectator injuries were reported, although the Mustang sustained substantial damage in the crash.

Source: Crime