LAPD officers began pursuing burglary suspects in a gray four-door sedan at eastbound Sherman Way near Shoup Avenue in West Hills/Canoga Park area at about 2 p.m. Tuesday. The chase led to the southbound 101 Freeway from De Soto Avenue.
The suspect vehicle reached extremely high speeds on the freeway, driving along the right-hand shoulder and nearly losing control several times.
The pursuit then led to the southbound 405 Freeway. The suspect vehicle exited at the Skirball Center Drive off-ramp, becoming stuck behind a school bus and in between other vehicles. The driver and two other suspects exited the gray four-door sedan, hopped over the K-rail and ran into the heavy brush on either side of the exit.
LAPD motorcycle officers fanned out on foot in the brush to search for the suspects. LAPD K-9 units were deployed. Dogs led officers through a homeless encampment area.
Two suspects were arrested within the hour. A third suspect believed to be the driver was arrested by 4 p.m.
The third suspect sustained dog bites and was hit with a Taser. An ambulance was requested for medical treatment.
Sepulveda Boulevard was cordoned off by LAPD police units during the search. The southbound 405 Skirball Center Drive exit was closed by police. Northbound 405 Freeway traffic was jammed from the 10 Freeway to Skirball Center, according to Caltrans. Traffic from the 101 Freeway to Sherman Way was also affected.
All roadways were re-opened by police by 4:40 p.m.
