Gates, Off Duty, Is Still Arresting
Police Chief Daryl F. Gates showed that neither lofty position nor a black-tie social event can relieve him of the call of duty or the thrill of the chase.
After leaving a formal dress Olympic Committee fund-raiser in Beverly Hills late Thursday, Gates and his aide, who was driving, gave chase to a man they believed to be driving while intoxicated.
Turning on the red light of the chief’s unmarked car, the pair stopped Walter Mazarate, 22, of South Gate, on the Pasadena Freeway near Highland Park, said police spokesman Lt. Dan Cooke.
Mazarate allegedly attempted to flee, speeding away in his car. During the next phase of the chase, Gates called for assistance and Mazarate was arrested by other officers when he left the freeway south of Pasadena.
He was booked on suspicion of drunk driving, said Lt. Dave Waterman, who said he was not surprised by the chief’s zeal.
“After all, he (Gates) is a sworn member of the department, even if he is in a lofty position.”
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