STUDIO CITY—A 13 year-old handicapped teen led officers from the Los Angeles Police Department on a chase Saturday, August 17. The pursuit ended in a crash at a North Hollywood apartment building.
The pursuit started around 3 p.m. near Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Victory Boulevard in Studio City after reports of a possible stolen utility truck and a hit-and-run collision.
The chase led into North Hollywood and the teenager struck multiple vehicles during the pursuit at the intersection of Vineland Avenue and Saticoy Street. During the chase police did not realize that the person they were pursuing was a minor.
At around 3:30 p.m., the teen crashed into an apartment building located on the 7200 block of Troost Avenue. He ditched the vehicle and ran towards the apartment building fleeing from police. The teen was cornered at a cul-du-sac where he was detained.
He was taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries sustained. A woman inside the apartment building was taken to a hospital to be examined for injuries.
The Los Angeles Fire Department requested building safety for the location that sustained significant damage to one side of the building. It is unknown when tenants will be allowed to return.
The suspect was reported missing by his family in Lakewood earlier in the day. After the pursuit, he was reunited with his family around 8:00 p.m. The teenager is said to be autistic and hearing impaired. He uses a cochlear implant to aid in his hearing.
Detectives are investigating how the teen obtained the vehicle. He could face several charges, officials have not decided if charges would be filed at this time. The name of the teen has not been disclosed to the public.