dilworth says here, an individual with mental illness is resistant to the progress us, -- process, an encounter that is becoming increasingly more common. >> there resistant to us taking personal items, stuff that we deem unsalvageable. like i said, soiled with feces . >> reporter: the situation was on the verge of escalating but quickly dampened when a firefighter steps in. >> were going to see if we can get you in a better spot. >> reporter: the man accepted housing and services, a test of how this process is intended to work. in a rare case of added red tape having a positive effect. >> it makes me feel happy that we are making positive progress. we are not just moving individuals, we are offering them services. we are offering them a chance to get out of the situation, into a better situation, and it gives us an opportunity in the process to actually clean and sanitize the streets, as well. >> reporter: testing soiled items and policies behind to make room for cleaner times ahead. >>> news anchors in l.a. cover their fair share of chases. well pursuits. this one that happened earl