Man pleads not guilty in chase

A 24-year-old Los Angeles man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that he allegedly led police officers on a car chase into Burbank, where he pulled into the driveway of Providence Saint Joseph’s Medical Center and crawled under a patrol car.

The man, Leonard Lemos, was taken into custody Monday on suspicion of evading a police officer, hit-and-run, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possessing methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant for contempt of court, according Glendale Police Department records.

Officers stopped Lemos about 7:30 p.m. at Pelanconi Avenue after he reportedly made a left turn on a red light, from Highland Avenue to San Fernando Road, Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz said.

Once Lemos pulled over, he began yelling, waving his arms and sticking his head out the driver’s window, Lorenz added.

As police called for more patrol officers and approached Lemos’ vehicle, he drove away, police said.

He led officers on a pursuit into Burbank on city streets, where he pulled into the hospital driveway and drove up to the front doors, according to a police report, prompting visitors to scatter.

He then got out and ran toward an officer who had drawn his gun before attempting to crawl under the front of the patrol car, police said.

The officer quickly stopped Lemos, who was arrested, police said.

Lemos had left his car running and it struck an occupied vehicle, police added.

Lemos’ next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 8 in L.A. County Superior Court in Burbank.

Follow Veronica Rocha on Google+ and Twitter @VeronicaRochaLA.