Police Nab Armed Robbery Suspect In Woodland Hills After Wild Chase
WOODLAND HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Police chased an armed robbery suspect in and around Woodland Hills Monday evening.
The pursuit ended with a dramatic take down of the suspect -- who fled on foot after his vehicle was incapacitated by spike strips -- by a police officer making a flying tackle on a sidewalk.
The chase started just after 9 p.m. near Valley Circle and Roscoe, according to officials.
It was believed the suspect was originally wanted for a DUI but after running the plates, police said the man was wanted in connection with an armed robbery.
Stu Mundel reported the driver had been on the wrong side of the road, blew through red lights and drove with no regard to his or the public's safety.
"He's made some very wild turns," reported Mundel.
An LAPD helicopter kept a searchlight on the driver throughout the pursuit.
Police laid down spike strips at least twice, the first attempt being unsuccessful.
The car, often going at speeds exceeding 80 mph, got a flat after the second spike strip attempt.
The suspect started driving on rims and began dovetailing. "This is so dangerous. And there is heavy smoke coming out. He has to stop. The car is coming apart."
The suspect foot bailed and cops chased him.
One officer ended up taking the suspect down on a sidewalk "with a beautiful tackle," reported Mundel.
