Pursuit of teen suspect ends in violent crash in North Hollywood
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 13-year-old boy, who may have stolen a vehicle, led police on a dangerous chase that ended in a violent crash in North Hollywood Saturday afternoon.
Los Angeles police say the chase began near Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Victory Boulevard around 3 p.m. after reports of a hit-and-run crash and possible stolen vehicle.
Shortly after the pursuit started, the suspect hit another vehicle in the intersection of Vineland Avenue and Saticoy Street, according to authorities.
Around 3:30 p.m., the teen allegedly rammed a work truck into several additional vehicles and an apartment building in the 7200 block of Troost Avenue. He was taken into custody after fleeing the scene and being cornered in a cul-de-sac.
Investigators say the teen was visiting family in South L.A. earlier in the day and was reported missing. It's unclear how he got the work truck or where he lived.
Police said the suspect, who was seen wearing a cochlear implant for hearing, had some type of medical condition but couldn't elaborate.
A few minor injuries were reported following the chase, police say.
"It's never good that anybody is injured, but my understanding at this point is that any injuries sustained were minor in nature," LAPD Captain McNeill Gardner said. "Obviously, we have a lot of vehicle damage, carnage going on here. But (it will) just take a little time. We'll get this investigation done and get to the bottom of the whole thing and make sure everybody is taken care of."
It is unclear if the teen was injured, but the apartment building sustained significant damage.
Martha Perez's apartment wall was completely destroyed in the crash. Her 14-year-old was home at the time and narrowly escaped any injuries.
The suspect was later released with family but was facing several charges, police said.
