Southern California

NoHo Standoff Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Stalking, Criminal Threats Charges

He has not yet been charged in Monday's high-speed pursuit or hours-long standoff

A man armed with a rifle who led police on a high-speed chase on Southern California freeways before barricading himself in a stranger's North Hollywood home pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges he stalked and made criminal threats against an ex-girlfriend, officials said.

Nolan Perez, 41, was charged Monday with one felony count of stalking and six felony counts of making criminal threats, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.

The criminal complaint alleges he stalked a woman between May 19 and June 6 and that he made criminal threats on six occasions between May 19 and June 4.

He was being held in lieu of $1 million bail while awaiting his next court appearance June 24.

Perez allegedly directed his rifle at officers during the Monday morning pursuit, which began at his ex-girlfriend's home, police said.

After the chase, he pulled over, ran through a neighborhood and climbed onto the roof of a house, where he leaned against a rifle. He barricaded himself inside the house while police searched the area until he surrendered about 3 p.m.

The manhunt and standoff forced hours-long lockdowns at nine schools and evacuations near the barricade.

Perez has not yet been charged in the pursuit or standoff.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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