Suspected Car Thief Throws Live Grenade at Police During Wild Pursuit Through California Neighborhood

Police take suspect Carlos Kuceja, 28, into custody after a harrowing car chase in which he allegedly hurled a grenade at pursuing officers.

A high-speed police chase through a residential area in Berkeley, California, turned into a dangerous standoff Friday afternoon when a suspected car thief hurled a live grenade at pursuing officers, prompting evacuations and a bomb squad response.

The incident began around 3:30 p.m. when California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers attempted to stop 28-year-old Carlos Kuceja in Oakland after he was allegedly spotted driving a stolen vehicle. Kuceja refused to pull over, initiating a slow-speed pursuit that led officers through Oakland and into Berkeley.

The live grenade that a suspect hurled at police during a chase in Oakland.

During the chase, Kuceja reportedly threw a bag out of the vehicle's driver-side window. A CHP officer who was not directly involved in the pursuit recovered the bag and discovered a grenade inside with the safety pin partially removed, posing a significant threat to public safety.

Authorities immediately alerted the Berkeley Police Department and advised residents in the area to evacuate. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the University of California, Berkeley, was dispatched to the scene, secured the grenade, and cleared the area by 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, the pursuit of Kuceja continued. After abandoning the stolen vehicle, Kuceja attempted to escape on foot but was ultimately cornered and apprehended on a dead-end street by responding officers.

California Highway Patrol officers narrowly avoided catastrophe when a suspect hurled a grenade at them during a chase Friday.

Following his arrest, police obtained a search warrant for the residence where Kuceja had been living illegally. The property, described as a multi-home dwelling, was temporarily evacuated while officers searched for additional explosives. No further devices were found, and residents were allowed to return by 10:30 p.m.

Kuceja was taken into custody and is facing multiple felony charges, including possession and transportation of a destructive device, possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing law enforcement, and resisting arrest. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.