san fernando valley

Motorhome in Pursuit Rampage Was Bought With Identity Theft Victim's Stolen Driver's License

A Granada Hills woman received calls from police, who thought she was the registered owner of the large RV used in a chaotic San Fernando Valley chase

The motor home involved in a frightening pursuit Tuesday that left at least three people hospitalized and a trail of wrecked cars in the San Fernando Valley was purchased using a stolen driver's license.  

The chain of events that led to the chase traces back to January, when Luz Sanchez's purse was stolen in a Granada Hills parking lot. Sanchez said she learned the motorhome was purchased using her stolen identity when she received phone calls from police who thought she was the registered owner of the large RV. 

"I thought they had done a lot of damage," Sanchez said, "And, this goes deeper than just a stolen purse. They stole my identity to commit crimes."

Sanchez's driver's license was used to purchase the motor home, which appears to have been sold at Giant RV in Downey. Since Sanchez reported her stolen items to the Simi Valley Police Department months ago, she's been trying to replace documents and restore her good name. 

Items purchased using her information include a motorcycle, Sanchez said. A credit card account also was opened in her name.

Sanchez planned to contact the Los Angeles Police Department after the pursuit of the motor home bought with her license ended just a few blocks away from her home in the San Fernando Valley.

The woman behind the wheel, identified as 52-year-old Julie Ann Rainbird, was taken into custody after the final crash at a home in the 5100 block of Tampa Avenue in Tarzana. A total of six vehicles were damaged during the pursuit, with at least three people were hospitalized, including the driver. 

The driver has previous convictions for identity theft, trespassing and possession of methamphetamine, according to court records. 

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