Suspect Abandons Girlfriend, Car to Elude Pursuing Detectives

A man wanted on narcotics warrants eluded police Wednesday after leading officers on a short car and foot chase on west San Fernando Valley streets.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Valley station received a tip that a man wanted for selling drugs was in the area. They spotted him about 2:30 p.m. in a car at Vanowen Street and Independence Avenue, said Det. Larry Kagele. He declined to release the man’s name, saying it could jeopardize a police investigation.

Though police were in an unmarked car, the man spotted them and drove off, Kagele said. Detectives followed but lost him as he ran red lights. The license plate of the man’s car was broadcast over police radio and a marked patrol car spotted him at De Soto Avenue and Victory Boulevard and chased him.

The man jumped out of his car behind a steakhouse in the 21700 block of Victory Boulevard, leaving his girlfriend behind. She was questioned and released, officials said.