It took me while last night to figure out a blogging topic. Tonight, not a problem.

Almost 24 hours ago, I finished writing and figured I’d turn in for the night. I went in to wash up, passed by the living room on my way to bed and noticed quite the commotion outside. “Commotion,” in this case, is defined as 11 cop cars with lights illuminating the cul-de-sac, a woman handcuffed and sitting on the curb, a minivan up on my neighbor’s lawn and gang unit officers everywhere.

I had only been in the bathroom for about five minutes, and this is what happens? Sheesh. There weren’t any sirens to tip me off, but apparently the chase began just a few blocks away. The driver didn’t realize the street lacked an outlet, so he was blocked in by cruisers galore. In his desperation, he ended up jumping the curb and hitting the tree in front of my neighbor’s bedroom window where she was sleeping.

The driver ran but officers tackled him in my neighbor’s backyard, the female passenger was cuffed and questioned, but also eventually released. She left on foot to call a taxi.

Midnight came and went, and things were finally dying down. A flatbed truck removed the minivan, and its operator swept up the grass, dirt and tree bark that had been disrupted by the chaos. That tree has been there for years — it’s a lovely tree, though the morning light revealed it’s also quite a bit banged up. Rumor has it my neighbor was thinking of having it removed. Being that it likely saved someone last night, I’m guessing the tree will get a giant bandage and new lease on life. I’m sure it will be around for years to come.

I’ve written about them before, but I’ll say it again. I’m a pretty big fan of the Anaheim PD. When they’re in front of your house talking amongst themselves, with neighbors and with the woman in handcuffs, it’s impossible to not let the desire to eavesdrop get the better of you. Two words: true professionalism. So aside for being thankful for the mighty tree and a life it saved, I’m once again thankful for those who protect the city I’m proud to call my home.