Full Notification

On Wednesday, May 10, at 0255 hours, SVPD Communications received a call from Julio Cortez, a Simi Valley resident. Cortez stated his 1991 Honda Civic Si was just stolen from in front of his residence in the 1700 block of Wilton Street.  SVPD Officers responded to the eastbound 118 freeway on-ramps at Tapo Canyon and Stearns Streets.  A short time later, officers observed the victim's vehicle, eastbound 118 freeway, accompanied by a second vehicle, a 2018 Dodge SUV, which was driving bumper-locked to the Civic.  Officers attempted a traffic stop on the Civic, which immediately turned into a pursuit with speeds in excess of 100 mph.  A LAPD airship was requested, as well as West Valley CHP.  

Before any allied agencies arrived, the Civic exited eastbound 118 freeway at Topanga Canyon before reentering eastbound 118 freeway at Topanga Canyon, traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes.  Moments later, another SVPD officer found the stolen Civic abandoned in the eastbound carpool lane facing westbound.  An initial area search was conducted for the suspect with negative results.  Approximately 10 minutes later, officers located the trailing Dodge SUV near the intersection of Red Mesa Road and Old Ranch Circle in the city of Chatsworth.  The driver, Vanessa Garcia, a 33 year old resident of Granda Hills, was arrested for 182(a) PC - Conspiracy.  In addition, officers located narcotics, burglary tools, and a significant number of credit cards not in Garcia's name inside her vehicle.  The suspect driver of the Civic is still outstanding.