Simi Robbery Suspect Held After Chase

A robbery that netted about $37 from a Simi Valley Fotomat Monday set in motion a lengthy police pursuit over surface streets and the Simi Valley Freeway that ended when the suspect’s car rammed a police car, the police reported.

Eduardo Carrasco, 30, of Sylmar, was arrested after he attempted to enter the freeway from Kuehner Drive and his car struck an unmarked Simi Valley police car, causing minor damage, Darlene Ramirez, a Simi Valley police spokeswoman, said. Det. Mike King, who was inside the car, was not injured, she said.

Carrasco was being held at the Ventura County Jail on suspicion of armed robbery. There was no bail because he is a parolee.

The chase began after Carrasco asked for a roll of film at the Fotomat store in the 500 block of Los Angeles Avenue, then leaned over the counter and produced a knife with a two-inch blade, Ramirez said. Store employee Susan Gray handed over about $37 in cash and Carrasco drove off in a car that was parked nearby, Ramirez said.