A shocking incident was caught on cell phone video, showing a woman attacking a Los Angeles County firefighter and crashing into a police car. The footage reveals the dangerous encounter, highlighting the risks that first responders face while on duty.
A woman from Inglewood has been arrested for reportedly assaulting a firefighter from the Los Angeles County Fire Department on Wednesday afternoon.
A cell phone video captures the moment when Jessica Chavez, 36, engages in a heated argument with the personnel before forcefully striking the side of the SUV. Despite the ongoing dispute, the firefighter made an effort to defuse the situation by emphasizing that the crew intended to assist her.
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Despite the firefighter’s best efforts, the woman’s behavior remains erratic. She then clenches her hand into a fist and swings at them. Not stopping there, she proceeds to slap the side of the truck before finally walking away.
The firefighter chased after her as she attempted to enter her car.
Frank Rojas, the man who captured the incident on video, remembered the woman’s plea, “Stop following me.” He described the situation as being physically intense for her, while the officer or person in the car attempted to pacify her.
L.A. County Fire personnel arrived at the scene shortly before 12:20 p.m. after witnessing Chavez engage in a confrontation with a man near Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Marigold Avenue.
Chavez, who was apparently intoxicated, initiated an assault on the firefighter while Gardena police detectives were passing by. The detectives quickly intervened to offer assistance, but Chavez fled to her vehicle and led them on a brief chase. Video footage depicts her recklessly speeding down Manhattan Beach Boulevard before colliding with both an unmarked police car and an LA County Fire SUV.
Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, even though a tire and car parts were left on the roadway. Chavez, the responsible party, was arrested for multiple charges, including assault on a firefighter or EMT, assault with a deadly weapon, and driving under the influence.
Lesley Marin became a part of the CBS2 Los Angeles news team in November 2019, taking on the role of a general assignment reporter. Additionally, she contributes to the anchoring of CBS News Los Angeles during the weekends.
