Glendale police: Alleged heroin addict drives into officer

A 27-year-old Glendale man was arrested early Saturday for allegedly driving his car into a police officer who was investigating his vehicle.

The officer was patrolling his area about 2:40 a.m. when he noticed Garegin Galstyan’s green Honda Civic parked on Maurita Place, east of Howard Street, according to police reports.

In the past, the officer had contacted Galstyan, an alleged heroin addict on probation for possession of narcotics, according to reports.

The officer drove by the Honda and saw Galstyan in the driver’s seat crouched over over the center console, police said.

He stopped his patrol car and began walking toward the Honda, when Galstyan suddenly sat up and turned on the ignition, according to police.

The officer yelled at Galstyan to stop, but he allegedly accelerated, prompting the officer jump back and throw his hands out in front of him. The officer stumbled back after Galstyan stopped just as his hands hit the car, according to police. No serious injuries were reported.

As Galstyan sped away, the officer returned to his patrol car and notified dispatchers of the incident, police said.

Officers found the Honda parked outside one of Galstyan’s known addresses on Lexington Drive.

Galstyan was taken into custody on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and for allegedly possessing methamphetamine and heroin.

-- Veronica Rocha, Times Community News

Twitter: @VeronicaRochaLA