LAPD: 'Career Criminal', Gang Member Found Dead In Truck Following Valley Pursuit & Standoff
ARLETA (CBSLA.com) — A suspect was found dead in a truck Wednesday following a pursuit and standoff in the San Fernando Valley.
The incident began around 10:20 a.m. in Burbank when the suspect, who was a known gang member with several warrants for his arrest, was put on surveillance by a Gang and Narcotics Division, Sgt. Frank Preciado said.
"At approximately 11:15 a.m., he made eye contact with one of the officers. Officers did identify themselves, they drew their firearms because they knew he was known to be armed with a firearm," he explained. "The suspect turned over, looked in the direction of the officers and smiled, and then continued to drive away."
The officers requested backup and a pursuit ensued through North Hollywood, according to officials.
Around 12:50 p.m., SWAT officers approached the vehicle, and the suspect was declared dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The chase continued on surface streets as well as on the north and southbound Golden State (5) Freeway until he exited in the Arleta area around 11:50 a.m.
"Patrol units had already had a plan in place and deployed spike strips and deflated the suspect's vehicles tires," Preciado said.
Moments later, the suspect vehicle came to a stop on Terra Bella Street near Arleta Avenue. At least a dozen officers positioned themselves behind the utility truck and called in a SWAT team.
At one point during the chase, the suspect drove through a chain link fence sending a man on the other side of the fence flying.
A small dog that was inside the vehicle with the suspect ran out into the street. Animal control officers were called to the scene. The dog was eventually captured.
CBS2's Kristine Lazar reported the suspect's next of kin was to pick up the dog on Thursday.
