Huntington Beach Police Chase Car Thief into Ocean (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 5:23 PM ET

There’s no shortage of excitement in Huntington Beach, CA, whether it’s from the characters one encounters on the iconic pier, the occasional surf contest riot, or the waves that earned the Southern California hamlet its nickname as Surf City, USA.

And on Sunday evening, the town lived up to its reputation with a car chase on PCH.

When officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle, the driver made a run for it. At first it was a standard traffic stop. Then, the car sped off. Police deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle, and then the driver took off on foot, and ended up in the ocean.

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In a video via helicopter and night vision, the sequence of events can be seen above. Sparks fly from the vehicle after the spikes are dropped. Then, the suspect can be seen in the water, while officers are on the beach, one with a firearm drawn, before the arrest.

The HB Police Department explained what happened:

“Just before 10 p.m. last night, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation and quickly learned the car was stolen. The driver briefly pulled over, then decided to test their luck instead, leading officers on a short pursuit through the numbered streets and onto PCH.

“With help from HB1, officers tracked the vehicle and deployed spike strips, successfully deflating the tires. When the vehicle slowed, an officer safely performed a PIT maneuver, ending the vehicle pursuit.

“Both suspects bailed out. The passenger was quickly taken into custody, while the driver ran toward the beach and went straight into the ocean, apparently forgetting that the beach closes at 10 p.m. With assistance from HB1, officers converged, and the soggy suspect surrendered without incident.”

Cheekily, the police added: #ToProtectAndSurf

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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