On Jan. 9  at approximately 11:10 p.m., an officer attempted to stop a silver Toyota Corolla for speeding at Pennsylvania Avenue and Altura Aveue in La Crescenta. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. After pursuing the vehicle for approximately three miles, the driver lost control of the vehicle at Verdugo and the 2 Freeway and collided into the freeway embankment. The driver, later identified as 34-year-old Hovanes Ashteokenyan of Hollywood, exited the vehicle and ran up the freeway embankment and out of sight. A perimeter was established and Ashteokenyan was located hiding on the hillside in the 3600 block of Stancrest Drive.

Investigation revealed Ashteokenyan had a lengthy criminal record and he was on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS). Ashteokenyan also had a “No Bail” warrant. The Toyota Corolla had a rear license plate affixed that belonged to another vehicle and the rear license plate that belonged to Ashteokenyan’s vehicle was on the rear seat.

Ashteokenyan was placed under arrest and booked for felony evading.

On Jan. 11, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed 1 count of felony evading.