DUI Police Chase California: LAPD and CHP Pursue Suspect Across San Fernando Valley and Ventura County
A dramatic DUI Police Chase California on October 24, 2025, captured the attention of Los Angeles and Ventura County residents when a suspected DUI driver led officers on a high-speed pursuit spanning multiple freeways and jurisdictions.
This recent DUI police chase in California underscores how seriously state and local authorities treat drunk driving and reckless evading cases. Incidents like the October 24 pursuit through the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County show that even a moment of poor judgment behind the wheel can lead to felony-level charges. California’s DUI laws and Vehicle Code §23152 make it clear that impaired driving and fleeing police are separate offenses — each carrying severe penalties that can impact your license, freedom, and future.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the pursuit began in North Hollywood when officers attempted to stop a driver suspected of DUI and firearm possession. The driver refused to pull over, initiating a chase that continued west through the San Fernando Valley, onto the U.S. 101 Freeway, and into Ventura County. (CBS Los Angeles, FOX 11 Los Angeles)
What Happened During the Pursuit – DUI Police Chase California
- Suspect Identified: 27-year-old Luchiano Antonio Lewis Villanueva was identified as the driver.
- Route of Pursuit: Began on surface streets in North Hollywood, entered the I-170 Freeway, exited at Sheldon Street / Sun Valley, re-entered the 170, then merged onto the 101 Freeway through Valley Village, Calabasas, and Thousand Oaks.
- Speed and Duration: According to SkyFOX and CHP dispatch, the vehicle exceeded 95 mph, traveling roughly 50 miles before being stopped by CHP near Seacliff Avenue, just north of Ventura.
- Apprehension: CHP deployed spike strips, forcing the car to a halt. The suspect was arrested without major incident and booked on multiple charges including DUI, reckless evading, and firearm possession.
Relevant California Vehicle Codes
Several California statutes directly apply to the alleged conduct in this case. Each citation below links to the official legislative or government publication source.
Driving Under the Influence – CVC § 23152
Under California Vehicle Code § 23152:
- It is unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs (§ 23152(a) & (f)).
- It is unlawful to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher (§ 23152(b)).
- Additional subsections prohibit driving under combined influence of alcohol and drugs (§ 23152(g)), or with a BAC of 0.04 percent when transporting passengers for hire (§ 23152(e)).
Convictions may result in license suspension, fines, mandatory programs, and possible jail time, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.
Evading a Peace Officer – CVC § 2800.1 and § 2800.2
Under California Vehicle Code § 2800.1, it is unlawful to willfully flee or attempt to elude a pursuing peace officer driving a clearly marked vehicle with lights and siren activated.
When that flight is carried out “with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property,” it becomes reckless evading, under CVC § 2800.2.
Penalties can include:
- Misdemeanor or felony charges (a “wobbler”)
- 6 months – 1 year in county jail, or up to 3 years in state prison if charged as a felony
- Vehicle impound, license suspension, and probation conditions
If a pursuit causes injury or death, charges may elevate further under CVC § 2800.3.
How These Laws Intersect in a Real Case
When a driver is suspected of DUI and then flees, prosecutors may stack multiple offenses:
- Primary DUI (CVC § 23152) — proving impairment by alcohol or drugs.
- Evading a Peace Officer (CVC § 2800.1 or § 2800.2) — proving the driver knowingly fled a marked unit using lights / sirens.
- Reckless Endangerment Enhancements — based on speed, lane changes, or near-collisions.
- Firearm or Contraband Possession — when relevant, adds independent felony exposure.
Each element carries its own penalties. What begins as a misdemeanor DUI can escalate into a felony case involving state prison time and multi-year license loss.
Why Local Representation Matters
Pursuits spanning Los Angeles, Ventura, or Orange County involve multiple jurisdictions — often with different prosecutors, courts, and CHP divisions. Local knowledge of each agency’s protocols and courtroom culture can influence outcomes dramatically.
DUI Attorney Richard Wagner, a former prosecutor with over 25 years of criminal defense experience, has handled thousands of DUI and pursuit-related cases throughout Southern California. He reviews every element — from traffic-stop legality and pursuit policy compliance to toxicology chain-of-custody — to protect clients’ rights and seek reduced or dismissed charges.
Take Action Immediately
If you’re arrested for DUI or evading police:
- You have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest license suspension.
- Early legal counsel can help secure dash-cam, body-cam, and radio dispatch recordings before they are overwritten.
- Even if you made mistakes during the incident, a strong defense can make a measurable difference in sentencing and long-term consequences.
If you were arrested for DUI or DUI-Drugs, don’t face it alone. Contact Orange County DUI Lawyer Richard Wagner today.
The Law Office of Richard Wagner – Irvine, CA
Call: 714-403-6317
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