Man caught after chase

NORTH GLENDALE — LAPD officers took a suspected gang member into custody Wednesday night after a six-hour search in the hillsides and residential areas near Verdugo Road.

LAPD Detective Chris Vasquez said officers conducted a traffic stop on the southbound Glendale (2) Freeway just past the Foothill (210) Freeway interchange about 5 p.m. He said the woman driving complied with officers’ request and pulled onto the freeway’s shoulder. A 1-year-old boy and the suspect, a man, were also in the vehicle.

Los Angeles Police Department officials would not release the man’s name, age or his alleged gang affiliation.

Vasquez said the man, wanted for assault with a deadly weapon, jumped out of the car and ran down a nearby hillside. Glendale Sgt. Tom Lorenz said LAPD officials asked Glendale for help in the search until more of their own officers could arrive.

“We were able to get there quicker and locked down the area,” Lorenz said.

Vasquez said LAPD officers, aided by police dogs, began to search the area.

The search quickly expanded to nearby neighborhoods for several hours until officers apprehended the man in the 1800 block of Verdugo Road.

“Neighbors were told to stay inside,” Vasquez said. “The suspect was found about 11 p.m. in the [wash] behind a home.”

The driver and man were taken into custody, and workers from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services took the boy.

After the arrest, officers asked neighbors to remain in their homes via personal contact and the Glendale APB e-mail system as they continued their search for a weapon. Vasquez said a gun was found in the area.

Glendale Sgt. John Gilkerson praised the e-mail system, saying it was an enormously helpful tool.

“We can notify the public of many things via Glendale APB, but when we can give real-time information to help ensure safety and gather extra eyes and ears for the Police Department, the most benefit is realized,” he said.