LASD deputy, 3 catalytic converter theft suspects hospitalized in crash after chase in Santa Clarita

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- A crash in Santa Clarita on Saturday morning left a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy and three suspects hospitalized following a chase that was prompted by a report of a catalytic converter theft, authorities said.

The deputy was involved in a pursuit of the suspects on the southbound 5 Freeway in Valencia; authorities called off the chase at Calgrove Boulevard due to the high rate of speed, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

Meanwhile, a Burbank Police Department patrol unit in the area observed a stolen vehicle in the area and requested assistance from the Sheriff's Department. LASD units responded to the request, and as they were en route the catalytic converter theft suspects' vehicle and the Sheriff's Department SUV collided, the spokesperson said.

News video from the scene showed a severely damaged minivan that had apparently been T-boned on its driver's side. The front end of the LASD vehicle was mangled. Several catalytic converters were recovered by deputies.

The deputy and the three suspects were transported to a hospital, where the deputy was listed in stable condition and has since been released. The suspects' conditions were not immediately known.

The driver of the stolen vehicle remained at large.