Simi Valley Car Theft Leads to High-Speed Pursuit into Los Angeles

A couple is in custody after allegedly stealing a car from an acquaintance and leading police on a chase. Daniela McGinn and Nicholas Hewitt, both 28, were arrested Wednesday evening.

The incident began in the 1400 block of East Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley. The victim reported that the pair stole her vehicle while she was shopping.

Police spotted the stolen car on the 118 Freeway near Topanga Canyon Boulevard. When the suspects refused to pull over, a high-speed pursuit began through the San Fernando Valley.

The suspects exited at Tampa Avenue and struck another vehicle during the chase. They briefly lost officers in heavy traffic before an LAPD helicopter located them from the air.

The couple eventually abandoned the car near Lassen Street and Balboa Boulevard. Television news footage showed McGinn inhaling an unknown substance from a balloon while walking away.

Simi Valley officers arrived on the scene and took both suspects into custody at gunpoint. Police later learned the pair had been involved in a second hit-and-run while out of sight.

Hewitt was booked for reckless evading and vehicle theft. McGinn faces charges for driving a stolen vehicle, evading, and misdemeanor hit-and-run.

Both were transported back to Ventura County and placed in the Main Jail. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either of the two collisions caused by the suspects.