Thrill of the Chase

So, a few days ago, I'm watching the local evening news. First of all, before I even get into the crux of today's rant, a few notes about the local news. To my tastes, it's COMPLETELY forgetable. The formula is, one forgetable man, one notably busty, "saucy" Latina co-anchor, and one weatherperson with impeccable hair. Honest to God, not one name has registered in my mind the entire time I'm here. Conversely, I can tell you every newsperson from New York to this day. Let me give a shout out to Sue Simmons, Chuck Scarborogh, Ernie Anastos, Warner Wolf, Storm Field, and, just to kick it old school, big ups to Lloyd Lindsey Young., and I see the same story I've seen about once every two weeks ever since I got here. And that story is...the car chase.
It's unbelievable. I'll be watching the Simpsons or something only to hear, "we interrupt this program to take you live to a breaking story." Cut to some type of SUV/truck, driving relatively slowly, with 5 or 6 cop cars in IMMEDIATE proximity, AND, a helicopter above watching its every move. This goes on for like 30 minutes before the perp inevitably turns himself in.
Now, the mindset behind this completely escapes me. There is ZERO percent chance of escape. This is L.A. There's ALWAYS traffic. That's what's so funny. These chases occur in rush hour, and it's like, best case scenario you have a quarter of a mile where you can run 35 mph. THEN, they hit the side streets. THERE'S NOWHERE TO GO. Yet they persist.
What's also interesting is, I think we can see direct fallout from Rodney King and The O.J. See, O.J. popularized the car chase with his white Bronco, and since he got off, these yahoos seem to think they will too. Secondly, I guess these guys feel like, "hey I KNOW I won't get beat down since the Rodney King trial happened. What have I got to lose?" And to an extent it's true. These cops seem to show the utmost tact and prudence in these pursuits. When they finally catch them, they are a little physical, but all and all not too bad.
I don't know why this bothers me so. It's not the pre-empting of my shows (I don't think). It's the futility of it all. The wastes of time and energy. And lastly, the fact that we as Americans get so compelled by it. I can't say I immediately change the channel, but I should.