Suspect dies after chase in North Hollywood

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A suspect died after a short chase ended in a crash in North Hollywood, police said.

The chase began around 1:35 p.m. and ended less than three minutes later when the vehicle crashed into a big rig near Magnolia Boulevard and Satsuma Avenue, police said.

The pursuit started after police attempted to pull over a driver on Magnolia Boulevard for reckless driving and driving without plates on the vehicle, police said.

Los Angeles Police Department officials disputed claims by some witnesses that the vehicle was struck by a police car before it crashed. They said the vehicle on its own veered suddenly across traffic and crashed into a Ralphs big rig parked in front of the supermarket.

Police also said the suspect was dead when they approached the vehicle and they believe it may have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A gun was found in the vehicle, police said.

"Ultimately it ended up westbound here on Magnolia, when the suspect suddenly gunned it, crossed traffic and collided with a parked semi truck," said LAPD Captain Steve Carmona. "The suspect was deceased, was killed in that (traffic collision). There are some reports he may have been involved in a self-inflicted gunshot wound."

Police said officers did not fire their weapons during the incident.

Witnesses said the incident was frightening.

"I heard some squeals and then I heard a gunshot," said local resident Angie Navidad. "It's scary, because I've never heard a pursuit around here. Not like that."