8 Hurt In Winnetka Pileup Caused By DUI Chase

WINNETKA, CA — A suspected drunken driver tried to flee police and instead triggered an Easter pileup that injured eight people in Winnetka, according to police. Two of the crash victims sustained serious injuries.

The crash occurred at about 8:15 p.m. Sunday at 20500 W. Roscoe Blvd., Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said. The chase started when an Los Angeles Police Department officer attempted to pull over a driver for a possible DUI. Instead of pulling over, the driver attempting to flee, according to police.

"The vehicle took off, blew through a red light and crashed into three cars," Sgt. M. Zaboski of the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division said.

Three vehicles were involved in the crash, and at least two of the victims had to be pulled from the wreckage by firefighters, Stewart said. The injured people were evaluated at the scene, and a man and woman suffering serious injuries were sent to a hospital.

Two others with non-life-threatening injuries also were hospitalized. The four remaining victims were treated at the scene and released, Stewart said.

A DUI investigation was underway, Zaboski said.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.