Pursuit suspect with assault weapon tied to threats against ex-girlfriend

The man with an assault weapon who led police on a freeway pursuit before running into a North Hollywood neighborhood was being chased because of threats he allegedly made against his ex-girlfriend, police said.

The suspect’s name was not released, but police said he is 40 and was suspected of making what police described as “terrorist threats” against his former girlfriend in recent days.

Police responded to the woman’s home Monday in El Sereno after he was spotted sitting outside. There was a warrant out for his arrest for the threats. Police were attempting to detain him when he drove off, beginning the pursuit.

UPDATE: Pursuit suspect surrenders; 4-hour standoff over

On several occasions during that pursuit, the suspect pointed the weapon at police officers, according to Cmdr. Andy Smith.

The suspect jumped out of his car around 11:30 a.m. and started running through the neighborhood near Hartsook Street and Magnolia Boulevard.

He was seen walking through backyards, then standing on the roof of a home. Law enforcement sources said police believe he’s now inside or just outside one of the homes. They don’t believe anyone was inside that home.

“Right now we’re just setting up a perimeter. We’re going to do what we always do and try to make contact with the individual and make sure everyone is safe,” Smith said.