In the early hours of September 17, 2025, the streets of downtown Los Angeles were jolted awake by a scene that might have seemed straight out of a high-octane movie—except the loot was not bags of cash or jewels, but armfuls of Labubu dolls and plush toys. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident began just after 3 a.m. near the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue, when officers spotted a Hyundai sedan reported stolen and filled to the brim with collectible plush figures. What followed was a brief but dramatic police pursuit that ended in a crash and a flurry of questions about the origins and fate of the sought-after toys.
The chase lasted barely a minute. As reported by KESQ and confirmed by the CHP, the stolen Hyundai, packed with dozens of Labubu dolls and other plushies, sped away from officers only to slam head-on into another vehicle at Washington Boulevard and McGarry Street. The impact was severe enough to draw immediate attention from nearby residents and first responders, though, thankfully, the driver of the struck vehicle sustained only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
But the drama didn’t end there. Witnesses and authorities told Patch and KTLA that the driver of the stolen Hyundai attempted to flee the scene on foot, dashing away from the wreckage in a desperate bid for freedom. Police were quick on his heels, apprehending him before he could get far. A passenger who had been in the vehicle with him, however, managed to slip away and, as of the latest reports, remains at large.
The back seat of the Hyundai was packed with Labubu brand collectible plush figures, as seen in photos published by Patch and other outlets. These toys, which can vary in size and color and have become something of a fashion accessory in recent years, are highly prized by collectors and fans alike. The sight of so many Labubu dolls crammed together in the aftermath of a high-speed crash was enough to spark curiosity—and plenty of speculation—across social media and local news.
But where did all these Labubu dolls come from? The answer, it turns out, was heartbreakingly clear to one Whittier business owner. According to reporting by the Daily News and KESQ, the plush toys were stolen from Pickaparty, a small specialty store in Whittier. In the hours following the incident, Pickaparty posted security camera footage to social media showing thieves leaving the store with armfuls of merchandise shortly before the police chase began. "Our store was broken into and I am so heartbroken. Pickaparty is about sharing love and connecting through toys. It’s my safe space and these people violated it. If anyone recognizes these people, their voices, their car, please send me a message! Thank you!! I love you all!!" the store wrote in an emotional post, hoping to rally community support and perhaps identify the culprits.
The theft and subsequent chase highlight the growing popularity—and, apparently, black-market value—of Labubu dolls. In recent years, these plush figures have become more than just toys; they’re collectibles, fashion statements, and, for some, even investments. As Patch described, a Labubu is "a plush doll that can vary wildly in size, color, etc. They've also become a very popular fashion accessory." It’s not hard to see why a cache of these toys would tempt thieves looking for a quick score, especially in a city where collectibles can fetch high prices online and at specialty markets.
Despite the chaos, there were no fatalities, and the only reported injury was minor. The driver of the car that was struck during the chase was taken to a hospital, as confirmed by KTLA and KESQ, but is expected to recover. The suspect behind the wheel of the stolen Hyundai was apprehended at the scene, though authorities have not yet released his identity or indicated whether charges have been filed. The passenger who escaped remains unidentified, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
The Pickaparty store’s public appeal has generated an outpouring of support from the local community and beyond. Many have expressed outrage at the violation of a small business, especially one centered on spreading joy through toys. Others have taken to social media to share their own stories of theft and loss, creating a broader conversation about the vulnerability of small businesses in the face of crime.
For the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles police, the incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of property crimes and the risks involved in high-speed pursuits. While the chase itself was brief, the potential for greater harm was real. The fact that only minor injuries resulted is, as some officers noted, a stroke of luck. The pursuit also underscores the continued challenge law enforcement faces in tracking and recovering stolen goods, especially when those goods are as portable and easily resold as collectible toys.
As for the fate of the Labubu dolls themselves, their journey from beloved store merchandise to evidence in a police investigation is a strange twist in their story. It remains unclear whether all of the stolen toys have been recovered or if some are still missing. The provenance of each doll is now under scrutiny, as investigators work to match stolen inventory with recovered items and return them to their rightful owner.
The incident has also cast a spotlight on the broader world of collectible toys and the fervor that can surround them. In recent years, rare plush figures, limited-edition dolls, and other specialty items have become hot commodities, sometimes leading to theft, counterfeiting, and even violent confrontations. The Labubu case is just the latest example of how what might seem like an innocent hobby can have very real-world consequences.
For now, the Pickaparty store in Whittier is left to pick up the pieces—both literally and figuratively. The emotional toll of the break-in is evident in the owner’s heartfelt message, but so too is a sense of resilience and community spirit. As the investigation continues, there’s hope that the remaining suspect will be found and that the stolen toys will be returned to their shelves, ready once again to bring joy to their new owners.
In a city as vast and varied as Los Angeles, stories like this remind us that even the most unexpected items—plush toys, in this case—can become the center of dramatic and deeply human events. The Labubu dolls may have been the object of desire, but it’s the people, their losses, and their determination to recover that linger in the minds of those who followed this unusual and unforgettable chase.
