Simi Valley, CA — May 20, 2025 — The Simi Valley Police Department has arrested one individual following a high-speed freeway racing incident and subsequent pursuit late Monday evening.
According to a statement from SVPD, officers were conducting routine traffic enforcement operations near a known car meet-up location at approximately 10:14 p.m. on May 19, 2025, when they observed two vehicles engaged in what appeared to be a street race on the SR-118 Freeway.
An officer initiated a traffic stop on one of the vehicles involved in the race. However, the driver failed to yield and instead accelerated away at dangerous speeds, reaching in excess of 100 miles per hour. The suspect led officers on a pursuit that crossed into Los Angeles, raising concerns for public safety along the way.
During the pursuit, the fleeing vehicle collided with an uninvolved motorist. While the collision resulted in minor property damage, fortunately, no injuries were reported. Officers continued the pursuit with heightened caution to ensure the safety of all involved.
The chase came to a safe conclusion near West Burbank Boulevard when the suspect surrendered without further incident. Police identified the driver as 18-year-old Travis Sehler, a resident of Simi Valley. Sehler was taken into custody and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.
Sehler now faces multiple serious charges, including Felony Evading a Peace Officer, Hit and Run, and Engaging in a Speed Contest. Authorities have also impounded his vehicle for a mandatory 30-day hold under California’s street racing enforcement laws.
The Simi Valley Police Department emphasized the dangers posed by illegal street racing and high-speed pursuits, both to participants and to unsuspecting members of the public. “This type of reckless behavior has no place on our roads,” a department spokesperson said. “We remain committed to proactive traffic enforcement efforts to deter street racing and keep our communities safe.”
No further suspects are in custody at this time, and the investigation into the second vehicle involved in the street race is ongoing. SVPD encourages anyone with information related to the incident to contact the department’s traffic bureau.
Public Safety Reminder
The police department is also reminding drivers of the potentially deadly consequences of illegal street racing. Beyond criminal charges, offenders risk losing their driving privileges, hefty fines, and long-term insurance penalties.