Encino : Boy Arrested After 20-Mile Police Chase

A 14-year-old boy stole his sister’s sport truck and led Los Angeles police on a wild, high-speed chase for 20 miles between Encino and West Los Angeles before the vehicle finally broke down, authorities said Tuesday.

Police said officers noticed the boy about 2:20 a.m. Monday near the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and White Oak Avenue after he drove the Toyota 4Runner on the wrong side of the road and narrowly avoided hitting a patrol car and another vehicle.

The officers signaled the boy to pull over, but he sped away instead.

During the chase, the Toyota hit speeds of up to 80 m.p.h. and the boy drove erratically, darting in and out of traffic. Officers followed the Toyota for a while, but then backed off and let a helicopter monitor the boy in order to avoid an accident.

They found the boy near Crenshaw and Washington boulevards after the truck broke down.

He was arrested on suspicion of felony evading arrest and was booked at the Van Nuys Station before being taken to Sylmar Juvenile Hall. After calling the boy’s home, officers said they were told by relatives that he had stolen the Toyota before.

“Apparently we have someone here who hasn’t learned anything,” said Police Sgt. Dan Mastro. “He jeopardized everybody’s safety, including his own.”

Mastro said with criminal charges involved and a court appearance looming, he hopes the boy and his family have learned a lesson. “Keys should be put away,” Mastro said. “These young kids at that age want to have a car and drive. He probably thought no one would notice.”