North Hollywood Man Charged with Trying to Kill a CHP Officer in High-Speed Chase

A pursuit suspect charged with trying to kill a peace officer for taking a U-turn and allegedly driving toward a California Highway Patrol officer remained jailed today while awaiting a Sept. 9 hearing to determine if there is enough evidence try him for attempted murder.

James Anthony Vazquez, 40, of North Hollywood was being held on $1 million bail after pleading not guilty Wednesday. In addition to attempted murder, he is charged with two counts each of assault with a deadly weapon and evading an officer, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The chase started about 8:35 a.m. Monday when a CHP tried to stop Vazquez for speeding on eastbound Ventura (101) Freeway in Agoura Hills, according to prosecutors. The CHP said the black Ford Explorer, with paper plates, was going more than 100 mph near Reyes Adobe Road.

At one point in the chase, Vazquez allegedly changed the vehicle’s license plate, prosecutors said.

CHP officers temporarily lost sight of the SUV, but an LAPD officer in a helicopter picked it out, and the chase resumed on surface streets and the 101 Freeway.

The chase ended when Vazquez exited the freeway at Reseda Boulevard and crashed in an underpass about 9:20 a.m. Monday. When he did not immediately follow orders, a swarm of law enforcement officers pulled him out of the SUV through the driver’s side window.

He is due back in a Van Nuys courtroom Sept. 9.

If convicted as charged, Vazquez could face more than 21 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

--City News Service

PHOTO Patch file photo.