Police almost run over by alleged car thieves
By Robert Salonga
DAILY BRUIN SENIOR STAFF
rsalonga@media.ucla.edu
University police are searching for two car theft suspects who allegedly tried to run over two officers in a haste to escape from Lot 1 early on the morning of June 25.
The officers fired shots at the car to protect themselves, said UCPD Lieutenant Manny Garza. He added that no one was injured in the incident.
The lot is located on Gayley Avenue between Le Conte and Landfair Avenues.
According to police reports, three male “Hispanics” were breaking into a white Honda at 1:29 a.m. when security officers at the medical plaza saw them and contacted UCPD.
Officers approached the B-2 level of the parking structure and apprehended one suspect, a juvenile not attending UCLA. His name and background were not available because of his age.
Shortly after, the officers saw a blue Chevrolet Camaro heading toward them at high speed. Garza said the officers determined that the remaining suspects were trying to run them over, and the two officers involved each fired a round at the vehicle.
The Camaro was found abandoned two floors up in the lot. UCPD, with help from the Los Angeles Police Department, searched the area but did not find the suspects.
Garza said the officers’ use of their firearms was appropriate for the situation.
“(Officers) may use deadly force in self-defense ... only when they reasonably believe that serious death or injury is about to be inflicted upon themselves,” he said.
The juvenile in custody will be charged with vehicle theft. UCPD detectives will be conducting the investigation, said Nancy Greenstein, director of police community services.
The three had already broken into one car before they were caught at the Honda, the report said.
Car theft is a relatively low occurrence at UCLA. Though the university parks 21,000 a day – more than Los Angeles International Airport – only 79 vehicles were reported stolen in 2001.
If you have any knowledge about the incident, contact UCPD at (310) 825-1491.
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