5 Teen Burglary Suspects Hospitalized When Car Chase Ends in Rollover Crash

A stolen Lexus driven by a 15-year-old girl and carrying four other juvenile burglary suspects crashed today in Rancho Palos Verdes during a brief chase by sheriff’s deputies, authorities said.

The crash occurred about 10:30 a.m. near Crenshaw Boulevard and Crest Road. Four boys ranging in age from 14-17 and the driver were transported for hospital treatment of injuries were described as minor to moderate, according to officials at the Lomita sheriff’s station.

Deputies responding to a residential burglary call began chasing the vehicle when a LoJack signal was received, and it overturned when the driver failed to negotiate a turn near Del Cerro Park. The chase reached speeds up to 60 miles per hour, authorities said.

One of the juveniles was in possession of a watch that had been stolen during a burglary that occurred just minutes before the pursuit, said sheriff’s Sgt. Thomas Anderson. The five -- whose names were withheld because they are underage -- may have been involved in other recent burglaries in the area, he said.

Stolen property recovered from the Lexus was identified by victims of two residential burglaries, according to a sheriff’s department statement.

The Lexus was reported stolen in an area of Los Angeles near Marina del Rey, Anderson said.

Rescuers used heavy equipment to free the occupants from the wreckage, and four of the juveniles remained hospitalized this afternoon, Anderson said.

He said all five were expected to face residential burglary charges, but booking details were not immediately available.

City News Service