Burbank woman charged in police chase

Jackson Bell

A Burbank woman who led police on a high-speed chase was charged

Tuesday with grand theft auto, and is also suspected of assisting in

the beating of a runaway teenager, police said.

Diana Baker, 33, was also charged Tuesday with receiving stolen

property, a felony, and 16 counts of misdemeanor hit-and-run. Baker

was arrested late Friday after leading police on a pursuit through

Hollywood, where she crashed into more than a dozen cars, authorities

said.

“She basically stopped driving when [her car] was no longer able

to move,” Det. Matthew Miranda said.

Police continue to investigate Baker’s alleged involvement in the

beating of a 17-year-old runaway, said Lt. Bruce Speirs, who declined

to provide details.

According to news and police reports, Baker and three other

unidentified people took the teenager to a residence in North

Hollywood, where the girl was allegedly beaten before being dropped

off at her home in Burbank.