Tavon Austin's Car In Police Chase

An expensive BMW registered to L.A. Rams star wide receiver Tavon Austin was involved in a police chase in California on Wednesday and the driver was arrested ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Cops say Dominic Makell -- a longtime friend of the NFL star -- was driving a silver BMW X6 on a California highway. For some reason, cops tried to pull him over ... but Makell allegedly took off.

Eventually, the vehicle came to a stop and Makell was arrested for felony evading an officer and willful disregard. He was hauled to a nearby station where he was booked. Bail was set at $50,000.

We're told Austin's name was listed as the registered owner of the car on the official police report.

We spoke with the Rams and the team confirmed Austin was at practice all day and was NOT involved with the arrest.

We also reached out to Tavon's agent for comment -- so far, no word back.