Stolen Car, Gun Recovered Following Pasadena Police Chase

Police on Wednesday recovered a stolen car, along with a loaded pistol, after the fleeing driver crashed and escaped shortly after officers called off a pursuit, authorities said.

The suspect remained at large Thursday, though investigators recovered some personal items that may help in identifying him, according to Pasadena police Lt. William Grisafe.

A detailed suspect description was not available.

A person called the police about 11:20 a.m. Wednesday to report a car theft in the 100 block of West California Boulevard, said Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Russo.

Officers spotted the vehicle about an hour after it was reported stolen in the area of Arroyo Parkway, just south of Del Mar Boulevard, according to the lieutenant.

The officers tried to pull over the car as it exited a parking lot, but the driver sped off, initiating a chase, Russo said.

Officers pursued the stolen car as it committed numerous traffic violations, then got onto the southbound 110 Freeway and continued at high speed, Russo said. Police lost sight of the car and the chase was called off.

But a crash was soon reported at York Boulevard and Figueroa Street, across the city border with Los Angeles, police said. Pasadena officers went to the scene and determined it was the stolen car they had just been chasing, which had been left abandoned after striking a fence.

“During a search of the vehicle, a loaded firearm was recovered,” Russo said.

Anyone with information can reach Pasadena police at (626) 744-4241. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.