Parolee falls out of tree after hit-and-run crash in Burbank

A parolee who allegedly fled the scene of crash on the Golden State (5) Freeway overnight Monday was eventually captured after he fell out of a tree.

Glendon Mullican of North Hollywood, was taken to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center after he fell roughly 35 feet to the ground at about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. The incident prompted authorities to close the freeway near Burbank Boulevard during the search.

Police were called to Interstate 5 between Scott Road and Burbank Boulevard at about 12:05 a.m. Tuesday after reports that Mullican, 40, allegedly fled the scene after crashing his car on the freeway onramp at San Fernando Boulevard.

Using an infrared camera, a police helicopter found Mullican in a tree near the freeway, prompting the lane closures as authorities tried to get him down.

Mullican was about 35 feet from the ground when officers surrounded the tree and asked him to come down, Burbank Police Officer Joshua Kendrick said.

Instead, Kendrick said Mullican tried to climb higher. About an hour later, officers heard breaking branches and saw Mullican falling to the ground.

Mullican was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and obstructing officers, Kendrick said.

Authorities reopened the freeway at 2:30 a.m.

-- Maria Hsin and Ross Benson, Times Community News