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Who doesn’t love watching a high-speed pursuit from time to time? I mean, suspense? Boom. Drama? Check. Excitement? Well, it’s in the name. However, while some chases involve triple-digit speeds courtesy of supercharged Dodge Challengers, others feature silly, almost hilarious circumstances. Such was the case with a driver who figured a stolen Toyota Prius was a suitable match for the police. 

This Toyota Prius thief thought their fuel-sipping hybrid was the perfect getaway car to give the cops the slip

Ok, when I say “getaway car,” what comes to mind? Bonnie and Clyde in an old Ford? Perhaps a young partially deaf driver sliding a Subaru WRX STi in Baby Driver? Whatever you picture, it’s likely not a Toyota Prius, right? Well, for one car thief in the San Fernando Valley, California, that’s exactly what it was. 

The stolen red Toyota Prius, a third-generation model, led San Fernando Valley police officers on a chase across miles of the valley, narrowly avoiding collisions throughout. In fact, the driver swerved around a semi-truck, nearly hit a bystander vehicle, and climbed curbs like it was channeling its best Jeep impression, per CBS News.

However, the Prius wasn’t breaking any speed records as it led police around. A helicopter following the action used an onboard speedometer to measure the speed of the chase. It was, well, not far from the posted speed limit. Hell, at one point, the Prius driver stopped at a stop sign. Many Americans won’t do that without cops chasing them.

Still, a look at the capabilities of the red third-gen Toyota Prius confirms why it isn’t exactly a speed demon. For instance, the 2010 Toyota Prius, the first model year in the third-generation lineup, produced just 134 horsepower from its hybrid inline-four-cylinder application. And at 3,042 lbs, that thief wasn’t getting anywhere quickly. 

Fortunately, police officers arrested the would-be escape artist after they attempted to ditch the car and flee on foot. It’s unclear what happened to the little Toyota hybrid. Watch a KTLA 5 video of the wild Prius chase below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).