NORTH HOLLYWOOD : Man Gets 60 Days in Theft of Police Bike

A North Hollywood man was sentenced Wednesday to 60 days in jail after he pleaded no contest in Van Nuys Municipal Court to stealing a $1,000 police bicycle.

The bike was left on a sidewalk in Sherman Oaks by a Police Department officer, who chased the thief and arrested him with the help of a passing motorist.

Juan Viveros Manzo, 20, was also placed on three years’ probation and ordered to begin serving his term immediately on the one count of grand theft, according to city prosecutor Sharyn Siskel.

Authorities say Manzo took the Raleigh mountain bike July 12 after a North Hollywood Division officer parked it on the sidewalk in the 13400 block of Ventura Boulevard and went into a shop.

The officer said he saw Manzo jump on the bicycle and pedal away.

The officer said he shouted at him to stop before chasing him. After about two blocks, an unidentified woman motorist stopped her car and offered the officer a ride.

The officer said Manzo abandoned the bike and fled on foot when the car caught up with him about 100 yards down the street. The officer said he got out of the car, jumped on the bike and chased the thief down.

Manzo was arrested, but was later released on his own recognizance.