Duration and Route of the OJ Simpson Car Chase
The low-speed pursuit involving O.J. Simpson and Al Cowlings lasted roughly two hours, from the neighborhood near Simpson's Rockingham estate to his Brentwood home, covering an estimated 60 miles of city streets Forbes.
Broadcast live by multiple local stations, the chase drew an estimated audience of around 95 million viewers at its peak, making it one of the most-watched events in American television history.
Key Timeline and Vehicle Details
The pursuit began in the late afternoon of June 17, 1994, after Simpson failed to turn himself in, and ended around 8:00 p.m. local time when the white 1993 Ford Bronco came to a stop in Simpson's driveway New York Times.
The vehicle, a white Ford Bronco, was driven by Simpson's friend Al Cowlings at speeds that rarely exceeded 35 mph, with the route passing through major Los Angeles streets and freeways.
Aftermath and Media Impact
Following the chase, Simpson was charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, leading to a criminal trial that concluded in October 1995 Cornell Law.
The event reshaped live news coverage and became a defining moment for cable news networks, with CNN and local affiliates dominating ratings for days and influencing future breaking news strategies NPR.