Possible COVID-19 Positive Pursuit Suspect Arrested After Barricade In Sherman Oaks Home
ENCINO (CBSLA) — A pursuit suspect, believed to be armed and positive for coronavirus, was taken into custody Monday afternoon after barricading himself in a Sherman Oaks home after a brief pursuit.
All eastbound lanes of the 101 Freeway were temporarily closed at Hayvenhurst Avenue in the Encino area "for a shooting investigation" that occurred during the pursuit when the man was believed to have shot at a chopper.
Officers attempted to pull over the speeding suspect on the eastbound 101 Freeway at Winnetka Avenue at 12:57 p.m., but he failed to yield, according to Officer Jose Barrios of the California Highway Patrol.
The pursuit suspect crashed twice during the brief chase, at least once into another vehicle, before barricading himself inside a home in the 4000 block of Vesper Avenue, Barrios said.
At 3 p.m., the suspect was still holed-up inside the home, and Barrios said there were reports of residents running out of the home, indicating that the suspect might not live there.
At one point, a robot gave the man a pack of cigarettes as he was barricaded inside.
Around 4:50 p.m., the suspect surrendered and was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
CHP shared a photo showing seven motorcycles blocking all eastbound lanes near the 101/405 interchange.
All eastbound lanes were reopened as of 3:22 p.m., but traffic remained backed up.
Authorities spent most of the night searching the neighborhood for evidence -- possibly the gun they say he used to shoot at officers.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
