Bike shop burglars lead police on two-hour chase, officials say

Burglars stole thousands of dollars worth of riding gear from a popular Glendale motorcycle shop Saturday morning and then led police on a two-hour, high-speed chase before two of the three suspects were arrested in Hawthorne.

The suspects in custody were scheduled to be booked at Glendale City Jail. A third suspect remains at large. No injuries were reported.

The incident began about 6:15 a.m. when a neighbor called police after hearing glass break at Pro Italia, a high-end motorcycle shop in the 3300 block of North Verdugo Road, Glendale Police Sgt. Dan Suttles said. Glendale police arrived just moments after the burglars fled in what witnesses described as a white van.

Shortly after, police spotted a vehicle matching the description.

“They found the van going southbound on the 2 Freeway,” Suttles said. “They pulled in behind it, ran the plates and it was stolen. The pursuit was on.” 

For about two hours, Glendale police and the California Highway Patrol pursued the van all over Los Angeles County. The chase went as far east as the 15 and 60 freeways before turning west again. At some moments, the van was traveling at 90 mph, Suttles said, adding that traffic was light. 

The pursuit concluded about 8:20 a.m. at the 105 Freeway and Prairie Avenue in Hawthorne, Suttles said. Two of the suspects were immediately taken into custody, while the third fled.

ALSO:

Big Guy, a blind sea lion, finds a home at last

Detective who worked for 'Bling Ring' movie on desk duty

Arrest made in 31-year-old Whittier cold-case rape, murder

--Megan O'Neil, Times Community News