A pursuit of a stolen vehicle ended Sunday afternoon when the suspect crashed into a tree in Merced, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol’s Merced office said it received a call from a victim who was actively following their stolen vehicle, which had been reported taken from a church earlier in the day. An officer located the vehicle near Santa Fe Road and Olive Avenue.

When officers attempted an enforcement stop, the driver fled and a pursuit was initiated. Officers assisted as the chase continued through the city of Merced.

The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle collided with a tree at the intersection of 16th and T streets. No injuries were reported, and the suspect was apprehended.

Authorities cautioned that pursuits are dangerous and unpredictable, posing risks to suspects, officers and the public, particularly on busy city streets with traffic, pedestrians and intersections.

Officials urged victims of vehicle thefts not to attempt to recover their property themselves, but instead to get to a safe location, call 911 and provide detailed information so law enforcement can respond.

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