A California Highway Patrol officer was hospitalized after crashing into a fire hydrant early Thursday morning during a pursuit that reached speeds around 85 mph and ended with three people in custody.
The officer suffered minor injuries in the crash, officials said.
The pursuit began southeast of downtown Los Angeles after the subjects in a white van failed to stop for officers who responded to reports of vehicle burglaries, Downey police told City News Service. The pursuit continued on the 605 and 5 freeways before the driver exited onto surface streets.
The crash occurred near the intersection of Paramount Boulevard and Slauson Avenue when the CHP officer's cruiser slammed into a fire hydrant, sending water into the street. The officer suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital.
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Three subjects were later taken into custody after officers used a PIT (pursuit intervention technique) manuever to stop the vehicle near Wilmington Avenue and 58th Place.
