Parolee falls out of tree after hit-and-run crash

A parolee who allegedly fled the scene of crash on the Golden State (5) Freeway overnight Monday was eventually captured after he fell out of a tree that he was hiding in.

The man, Glendon Mullican of North Hollywood, was taken to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center after falling roughly 35 feet to the ground about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. The incident prompted authorities to close the freeway near Burbank Boulevard during the search.

Police were called to the Interstate 5 between Scott Road and Burbank Boulevard at about 12:05 a.m. Tuesday after reports that Mullican, 40, allegedly fled the scene after crashing his car on the freeway on ramp at San Fernando Boulevard.

Using an infrared camera, a police helicopter located the suspect in a tree near the freeway, prompting the lane closures as authorities tried to get him down.

Mullican was about 35 feet from the ground when officers surrounded the tree and used a public announcement system to ask him to come down, Burbank police Officer Joshua Kendrick said.

Instead, Kendrick said Mullican attempted to climb higher. About an hour later, officers heard breaking branches and saw Mullican free falling to the ground.

Mullican was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and obstructing officers, Kendrick said.

Authorities reopened the freeway at 2:30 a.m.

—Maria Hsin and Ross Benson