Armed Suspect in 3 Robberies Shot, Arrested

Los Angeles police shot and wounded an armed suspect in Reseda on Saturday night after he robbed two restaurants and led officers on a high-speed chase in a stolen Mercedes-Benz, authorities said Sunday.

The suspect, John Scalese, 20, fired once at two officers who returned fire with 12 rounds, wounding Scalese in the back, said Officer Larry Judd. Scalese was arrested and taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center for treatment. Hospital officials declined to release his condition, but police said he was not critical.

Scalese’s Halloween night ride began at about 6:45 p.m. when he robbed a Coco’s restaurant in Northridge, Judd said. Later, he robbed a nearby Tony Roma’s restaurant, the officer said.

Scalese then walked down the street and allegedly stole a Mercedes 500 SL at gunpoint. Police responding to the report of a car theft gave chase, but Scalese escaped, Judd said.

Shortly afterward, Scalese was involved in a traffic accident, the officer said. Officers Mark Hall and Gary White spotted the Mercedes on Tampa Avenue at about 8:20 p.m. and began to follow, Judd said.

The Mercedes spun out on Tampa and Scalese ran from the car, Judd said. Scalese ran to the door of a house in the 6500 block of Tampa and fired a shot at the door, presumably to force it open, Judd said.

When that did not work, the officer said, Scalese fired at officers. White fired 10 rounds in response and Hall fired two, Judd said.