At approximately 0100 hours, a South Los Angeles unit attempted to stop a white Volkswagen Jetta for an erratic turn and speeding on S. Alameda St. north of Florence Ave. After the Jetta failed to yield, a pursuit was initiated. The Jetta made a left turn to eastbound Florence Ave. from S. Alameda St. against a red left turn arrow. The Jetta made a left turn into an alley east of Alameda St. headed northbound. As the unit entered the alley, the vehicle briefly stopped, then continued by making a left turn into a parking lot and headed south through the lot. The Jetta exited the parking lot onto Florence Ave. headed westbound towards Alameda St. The unit continued to pursue as the Jetta made a right turn and headed northbound on Alameda St. from Florence Ave. and accelerated at a high speed. As the Jetta continued northbound, it failed to stop at three stop-sign-controlled intersections. The driver of the Jetta failed to navigate a right turn on Gage Ave., crossing the eastbound lanes of Gage Ave. and striking a raised center median. This caused the Jetta to become airborne across the westbound lanes and collide into a building on the north side of Gage Ave. east of S. Alameda St. The suspect was trapped inside the vehicle and required extrication by Los Angeles County Fire personnel. The suspect was transported to Los Angeles County Medical Center- USC with major injuries. The driver of the Jetta was arrested at LACMC- USC for 2800.2(a) VC- Evading in a reckless manner and 23152(a) VC- DUI.
The vehicle impacted the approximately 10,000 square foot commercial building with such force, CHP units had to enter the building to place the driver into custody. Upon entering the building CHP units located approximately 700-800 marijuana plants at various stages of maturity. CHP Investigative Service Unit (ISU) was dispatched and responded to the scene. At this time no evidence was located at the scene that would indicate the marijuana was for medical purposes. CHP ISU will be handling the marijuana investigation to conclusion.
