In the afternoon, not long after Locke started patrolling, he received a call from the Chinese girl, Linda, saying they needed to go to the Wilshire Police Station to make a statement.
Locke told them to go straight there; officers would take their statements, and the station would provide Chinese translation for their parents. Linda sounded disappointed when she heard that Locke wouldn't be at the station.
He reminded them again, "Actually, you don't need to disrupt your travel plans for this. Just supplement the statement before leaving Los Angeles."
Linda explained, "My parents are not in the mood for sightseeing anymore. When Chinese people have something on their minds, they must deal with it first."
Locke couldn't understand this mindset at all. Americans would never let anything disrupt their travel plans.
Linda added, "Officer Locke, my family and I are very grateful for your help today."
"I just did what I should. It's my duty."
After hanging up, Locke shrugged. Chinese people's way of thinking was indeed different from Americans'.
No wonder there were so many disagreements between Leebo and Marianne.
After being taken away from China in his past life, he had only visited a few times to pay respects to his parents but had never lived there.
Seeing David looking over, Locke said, "The Chinese family this morning canceled their afternoon plans and will go to Wilshire to make a statement."
David also looked incredulous, joking, "That's how the Chinese are—industrious, law-abiding, gentle as sheep. They're the best citizens; the White House loves them."
Locke had wanted to join in on the joking, but the words didn't come out. Instead, he called the Wilshire Police Station to inform them that Linda's family would be coming to give a statement.
David then asked, "What gun are you planning to buy?"
Locke quipped, "Apart from the G18, there don't seem to be any other options, but I plan to buy a 9 as a backup."
David scoffed, "Kid, once you buy the 9, you'll find out you don't like it as much. It's heavy and bulky. It's better to buy the G19 as a backup. It's smaller, lighter, and more portable."
Locke agreed, "Okay, I'll buy another G19."
"Shit, damn rich kid!"
David gave Locke the middle finger and asked, "What about rifles, AR15 or 4? You're not short of money, so go with 4!"
You can get a good configuration of the AR15 series for a thousand dollars, as the bare gun only costs a few hundred dollars.
But for the 4, it would cost around $2500 to get a good setup.
Feeling guilty, Locke said, "I want to buy an HK416. Do you have a way? I don't want the neutered versions like the R223 and R556."
David was speechless, feeling embarrassed for underestimating Locke's financial power. He could only continue to gesture with his middle finger.
The HK416 automatic rifle was the main rifle used by the US military and police SWAT teams, among other elite units. It was rarely circulated in the civilian market and cost at least $10,000.
The civilian market only had neutered versions of the HK416, the R223 standard version and the R556 heavy barrel version, which cost around $4,000 to $5,000.
After a moment of silence, David replied, "I'll make some calls for you later."
Locke was about to thank him when the radio suddenly came on.
"DE99, an officer has been shot and injured. The suspect is driving a white Honda CRV with license plate 8QKL686 and is currently fleeing towards Robinson Avenue. The suspect is armed."
DE99 was the emergency code for the Los Angeles Police Department, signifying an emergency response.
Locke and David's faces changed instantly, both immediately thinking of Nathan's jinx at lunchtime.
David cursed, "Damn it, Nathan..."
He immediately took over the radio, "7ADA15, PY, we are on Lincoln Avenue and will join Robinson Avenue."
Locke also turned on the sirens and lights, flooring the gas pedal and speeding towards Robinson Avenue.
David felt the push in the acceleration and quickly grabbed the overhead handle, nervously watching Locke, reminding him, "Kid, be careful! I don't want to get into an accident..."
Locke focused on the road, reminding, "Switch to the public channel!"
"7ADA23, we've spotted the suspect vehicle..."
"The suspect turned right onto Whitney Street..."
"7ADA4, we've spotted the suspect vehicle..."
"Requesting Traffic Division CVPI (Collision-Vehicle Protective Interior) support!!!"
...
Listening to the information on the public channel while adjusting the route, Locke expertly maneuvered the vehicle. Soon, their car joined the pursuit convoy.
David reported the situation with a pale face, "7ADA15, we've spotted the suspect vehicle..."
After reporting, he scolded Locke, "Damn, kid, you should be with the Traffic Division, not on patrol..."
"Damn it!"
A police car in front suddenly slammed on the brakes. Fortunately, Locke reacted quickly, braking hard, then sharply turning the steering wheel, simultaneously flooring the gas pedal. The car drifted and swerved onto the right lane.
"Bang!"
The police car behind didn't have Locke's skills and crashed into them.
Locke observed briefly and saw no significant damage from the impact. There were already police cars stopping behind them. He continued to chase after the suspect's car.
"Whitney Street, police cars collided. Please arrange for an ambulance..."
David immediately reported the accident and put down the radio, grumbling to Locke, "Kid, next time you do that, give me a heads up. I almost puked just now..."
"Sorry, I'll definitely let you know next time..."
Locke focused on the 8QKL686 ahead, eager to speed up but having to slow down.
Now their car was the lead, either overtaking to let the Honda chase their tail or sticking close to the suspect's car.
And with four more police cars behind them, they had the advantage and didn't need to take risks.
More importantly, their car wasn't from the Traffic Division and didn't have collision beams. According to police regulations, they weren't allowed to ram the suspect's car.
Five police cars followed the suspect's car, and soon, at an intersection, police cars from other directions arrived, quickly surrounding the suspect's car.
More than ten police cars surrounded the Honda CRV in the middle, and all the car doors were opened.
Locke and David got out of the car immediately, guns drawn, standing behind the doors, aiming their guns at the forced-to-stop CRV, shouting commands.
"Step out of the car!"
"Drop your gun!"
"Show your hands!"
"Open the car door..."
"Put down the gun..."
"Let me see your hands..."
...