Scenes from the O.J. Simpson Chase

SI Staff | Jun 17, 2014

Scenes from the O.J. Simpson Chase

Joseph R. Villarin/AP

On June 17, 1994, in one of the most memorable events in modern history, O.J. Simpson led police on a 50-mile, low-speed chase down Interstate 405 in Los Angeles. Simpson, who was accused of double-murder, was a passenger in a white Ford Bronco driven by former teammate Al Cowlings. The chase, which was watched by a reported 95 million viewers, finally ended when Simpson returned to his Brentwood home. Here are some scenes from that unforgettable day, 20 years later.

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This is the last page of a handwritten letter by Simpson to fans, which was read by friend Robert Kardashian during a news conference the day of the chase.

AP

Simpson fans hold a "GO O.J." sign at the intersection of Rockingham Drive and Sunset Boulevard, near Simpson's mansion.

AP

At Madison Square Garden, members of the media watch live television coverage of O.J. Simpson on the Los Angeles freeways. The chase occurred at the same time as Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Rockets. NBC, which was airing the game, cut to split-screen coverage -- the O.J. chase the main image, the game relegated to a small box in the corner.

AP

Motorists exit their vehicles to watch the action as police follow the white Bronco from a safe distance.

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Scores of curious onlookers cheer and hold signs in support of Simpson.

AP

After arriving at Simpson's Brentwood area home, Cowlings walks out of the Bronco.

AP

At about 9 p.m., Simpson surrendered to authorities and was driven to the LAPD office.

AP

Simpson was booked on murder charges.

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Family members of Simpson react after learning he had surrendered to police.

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Simpson's mugshot was one of the most famous images of the decade. His trial lasted over eight months and he was eventually found not guilty by a jury of his peers.

Ron Galella/WireImage

Al "A.C." Cowlings, who claimed Simpson threatened to kill himself with a gun pointed at his own head, was initially charged with a felony for aiding a fugitive, but the charges were dropped due to lack of evidence.

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Los Angeles Police Department spokesman David Gascon speaks at a news conference to announce the charges against O.J. Simpson.

AP

At Portrero Hill Recreation Center in San Francisco, where Simpson played when he was a boy, a 15-year-old stands under a photo of the fallen star.