A group of burglary suspects led authorities on a chase Friday at speeds topping 100 mph from the Mid-City area to Sherman Oaks, where the person behind the wheel drove into a parking structure at the Sherman Oaks Galleria.
One suspect was taken into custody a short time later, shortly before 11 a.m., and two more were arrested about 15 minutes later. Police said there may have been as many as four people in the dark-colored sedan, and the search was continuing as midday approached.
The pursuit began sometime after 10 a.m. in the Mid-City area, with police saying at least one of the people in the vehicle was wanted on suspicion of burglary from motor vehicles.
The chase led into the West Los Angeles and Palms area before moving north on the San Diego (405) Freeway, with the driver hitting speeds that topped 100 mph. Driving at times on the freeway shoulder, the suspect moved north on the Ventura (101) Freeway, then did an abrupt U-turn in the Encino area, moving south on the freeway.
The driver side-swiped a truck while trying to dodge traffic on the freeway, damaging the driver's side of the sedan and causing a stream of smoke from the rear tire area.
He then exited the 101 Freeway and drove into the Sherman Oaks Galleria parking area, out of sight of the police helicopter crew following the suspects from above.
Police swarmed the mall area and established a perimeter as they conducted the search.
