Chase suspects crash into power pole in Azusa, shut down 2 intersections

AZUSA, Calif. (KABC) -- Two intersections were shut down early Friday morning when chase suspects crashed into a power pole in Azusa.

Irwindale police officers were involved in a high-speed car chase of a reportedly stolen SUV around 12:06 a.m. The chase went into Azusa but ended when the SUV lot control and crashed into a utility pole, meter and telephone box in the 100 block of West Fifth Street.

Officers from Azusa, Glendora and the California Highway Patrol helped to secure the scene. Paramedics also helped to treat four male suspects in the vehicle.

Three of the men were transported to local hospitals. None of their injuries were life-threatening, authorities said. Authorities searched for a fifth suspect, a woman, but could not find her.

The driver, Gilbert Matthew Angeles, 29, of La Puente, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto. The passengers, Whittier resident Pete Flores, 29, El Monte resident Rick Escobedo, 29, and a 16-year-old juvenile were also arrested.

Angeles was booked and taken to Los Angeles County Jail. The other three were later released after being interviewed by police.

The crash caused major damage to the SUV, utility pole, meter and telephone box. It temporarily shut down traffic signals at the intersections of Fifth Street and Azusa Avenue and Fifth Street and San Gabriel Avenue.

City crews worked to repair the damage. The investigation was ongoing. It was unclear what led to the chase.