A routine stop at a 7-Eleven in East Los Angeles turned into a terrifying ordeal after a car thief took off with three young children inside, launching a wild police pursuit that ended in a crash in Malibu.

On August 29, 2025, a carjacker fled with three brothers—ages 2, 7, and 9—in a stolen vehicle, sparking a high-speed chase that ended in a damaging wreck but concluded with the children safe and the suspect in custody, New York Post reported.

The incident began late Friday morning in a busy East L.A. shopping plaza when Tersa Tax briefly left her car idling outside a 7-Eleven while she dashed inside. Her three sons remained inside the vehicle, just a few feet away from where their father was parked in another car.

Suddenly, an unidentified man jumped into the driver’s seat of Tax's running car and sped off with the stunned children still strapped inside. Their father attempted to intervene, reaching into the car to try to pull the suspect out, but he was dragged several feet and suffered chest injuries.

“You blink and you see a stranger in the car with your kids,” Tax told reporters following the incident. “Your kids are crying and desperate for their mom … they’re afraid, and you just see someone run away with them.”

Police Pursuit Spans Decades of Distance and Danger

Within minutes, law enforcement was alerted, and officers from the California Highway Patrol began pursuing the vehicle across county lines. The carjacker barreled west at high speeds along the highways, prompting a coordinated police response across multiple jurisdictions.

The chase continued for miles, culminating in a collision near Malibu. Police reported that the suspect crashed into another vehicle, causing injuries to all three children aboard. The force of the crash temporarily immobilized the suspect’s stolen ride.

Undeterred, the suspect fled the scene on foot, rushing into a wooded area nearby. Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter and managed to apprehend the man shortly after, though officials have yet to release his identity or provide details on whether this was a targeted crime or a crime of opportunity.

Children Injured but Released Following Hospitalization

Emergency services arrived at the scene swiftly. Paramedics assessed the children’s conditions before transporting them to UCLA Children’s Hospital for further medical care. Despite the trauma and chaos of the incident, none of the children sustained life-threatening injuries.

The 7-year-old boy was treated for a dislocated hip, while his 9-year-old brother was diagnosed with a minor concussion. The youngest child, just 2 years old, suffered stomach bruises but was responsive. All three have since been discharged as of Sunday, August 31.

The father, who sustained injuries attempting to stop the crime, is recovering as well. In a brief interview, he expressed profound disbelief: "We never imagined all of this would happen to us."

Stolen Car Incident Shocks Community and Family

Authorities are still piecing together details about the suspect and his motives. His decision to flee on foot into a wooded area, rather than continuing the chase, provided police with enough time to safely execute his arrest. Further charges are expected, possibly including kidnapping, child endangerment, carjacking, and felony evasion.

Meanwhile, the family continues to grapple with the psychological aftermath. Local mental health professionals have offered support, and community members have rallied behind the Tax family, expressing outrage and solidarity following their ordeal.

Despite reliving the harrowing event, Tax remains thankful her children are alive. She said the experience reminded her how quickly everything can change, even in broad daylight and in familiar surroundings.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Never leave children unattended in a running vehicle. Even if it's only for a “quick” errand, an unlocked, idling car becomes a prime target for theft—especially when young passengers are involved.

2. Stay vigilant—even in familiar neighborhoods. Criminal acts can unfold in busy, comfortable locations like convenience stores. Always be aware of your surroundings and make safety a top priority.

3. Crime can happen to anyone, anywhere. It’s essential to note that victims should never be blamed. No matter how cautious you are, criminals can act quickly and unpredictably. This story serves as a sobering reminder of that truth.

Why This Story Matters

This shocking event underscores the importance of everyday vigilance and child safety. It also highlights how swiftly emergency responders can mobilize to prevent the worst outcomes. In raising awareness, stories like this can help communities remain alert and proactive about personal security and public safety.

Conclusion: A Harrowing Chase and a Hopeful Ending

On August 29, 2025, a car stolen in East L.A. with three children inside triggered a high-speed chase across California highways, ending in a violent crash in Malibu. The children—a 2-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 9-year-old—were all injured but later released from the hospital. Their father was also hurt while attempting to stop the thief, who was caught shortly after fleeing the crash scene on foot into a wooded area. What began as a routine store visit turned into a nightmare, but thanks to quick police work and emergency care, the family is now safe despite the trauma endured.