The driver of a stolen SUV leads the deputies on a frenetic high-speed chase before crashing in downtown Los Angeles

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. (KABC) — A man behind the wheel of a stolen SUV led sheriff’s deputies on a wild, high-speed chase through southeast Los Angeles County on Wednesday afternoon before crashing in downtown LA, authorities said.

The pursuit, which began in East LA, traveled over surface roads through the towns of Vernon and Huntington Park before reaching Boyle Heights.

At one point, up to a half-dozen LA County Sheriff’s squad cars were behind the Jeep Cherokee when the speeding driver remained elusive.

Just before 5:30 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers joined the pursuit as the situation grew more dangerous, with the suspect narrowly dodging pedestrians at crosswalks and innocent motorists at rush hour.

A spike strip was used at one point, but it was unclear if this damaged any of the SUV’s tires.

True Crime: On the Run gives an inside look at police chases

After driving into downtown LA’s fashion district, the driver jumped out of the still-moving vehicle and ran near Santee Alley. The SUV crashed into a light pole at low speed.

No police personnel were immediately at the scene, apparently because they had gone into pursuit mode due to the suspect’s erratic driving and high speed.

Details of when and where the vehicle was stolen were not immediately available.