Man suspected of fatal hit-and-run leads police on lengthy chase
A man suspected of fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and run was arrested early Saturday after leading authorities on a pursuit that stretched from the San Fernando Valley to Pacific Palisades.
Mark Christian Johnson, 54, was driving a 2010 Toyota Prius north on Sepulveda Boulevard in North Hills when he hit a pedestrian crossing at Parthenia Street around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, said Sgt. Gregor Whorton of the Los Angeles Police Department.
The pedestrian, a man in his 50s, died at the scene, Whorton said. The name of the victim has not been released.
Johnson fled the scene, but police soon “observed the Prius driving recklessly,” and a pursuit began, Whorton said. The California Highway Patrol assisted during the chase and, at one point, the LAPD employed a so-called spike strip to aid its efforts.
Eventually, the Prius collided with a “parking pillar” near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Porto Marina Way in Pacific Palisades, Whorton said.
Johnson was arrested at the scene and booked on suspicion of felony evading, Whorton said. Additional charges including felony hit-and-run are expected to be forthcoming, he said.
Twitter: @ByMattStevens
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