Man breaks ankle while allegedly fleeing from Burbank police

A 61-year-old man allegedly under the influence sustained a broken ankle Monday morning after fleeing from Burbank police and getting stuck in a wrought iron fence.

Police had attempted to pull over the man, Bernard Bartkiewicz, at about 3:15 a.m. after he allegedly made an illegal lane change. A brief pursuit ensued through residential areas at 35 to 50 mph, blowing through several stop signs and two red lights, said police Sgt. Darin Ryburn.

About three minutes into the pursuit, Bartkiewicz stopped his 1988 Honda Prelude in a driveway in the 2100 block of Buena Vista Street and fled on foot, police said.

As he attempted to climb over a wrought iron fence, his foot got caught and he sustained a broken right ankle, police said. When officers reached him, he allegedly failed to comply with their commands and kicked them in an attempt to break free. Police subdued Bartkiewicz and arrested him on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, driving under the influence, resisting arrest and evading officers.

Police reported recovering a narcotics pipe and methamphetamine from his car.

Bartkiewicz was being held in lieu of $75,000 bail and was scheduled to appear in court this week.

-- Alene Tchekmedyian, Times Community News

Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek