Car Chase Through El Monte Ends with Arrest

EL MONTE, CA — El Monte police Friday arrested a motorist who allegedly crashed into several vehicles and tried to carjack a motorist while being chased by officers.

Michael Duran, 19, of El Monte was booked on suspicion of attempted carjacking, El Monte police Detective Pete Lopez said.

It happened about 11 a.m., when officers patrolling near Mountain View Road and Elliott Avenue tried to pull over a 1993 Cadillac whose driver had committed an unspecified "traffic infraction," Lopez said.

The Cadillac kept going and collided into two other vehicles, and officers began chasing it, Lopez said. The Cadillac then went north on Peck Road.

"South of Valley Boulevard, bystander traffic was stopped for a red light, leaving the fleeing vehicle with no alternative way to flee," Lopez said.

"The suspect ... stopped momentarily, before attempting to drive through the stopped traffic in an effort to evade officers," Lopez said. "The suspect vehicle became disabled and the driver attempted to carjack another vehicle with two occupants inside.

Officers, who saw the attempted carjacking, were able to apprehend (Duran) inside of the vehicle he was attempting to steal, and apprehended (a passenger) who was still inside of the suspect vehicle," Lopez said.

About a dozen vehicles sustained "minor to moderate" damage at that location, Lopez said. Several people were examined for possible injury.

"At the recommendation of Los Angeles County Fire Paramedic personnel, two elderly subjects were transported to area hospitals for observation," Lopez said.

Shutterstock photo, City News Service contributed to report.