On June 6 at 4:29 p.m., Glendale officers were on patrol in the 4600 block of San Fernando Road in the City of Glendale when they observed a 2003 Mercedes with paper plates driving at a high rate of speed. The officers activated the emergency lights and siren in attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver failed to stop and entered the on-ramp to the Interstate 5 Freeway.

A pursuit was initiated that continued for approximately 10 miles through residential streets in North Hollywood. Due to the driver’s excessive speed, reckless driving and disregard for public safety, the pursuit was terminated.

The Glendale-Burbank police helicopter continued monitoring the vehicle and provided the suspect’s direction of travel. The driver stopped in the 5300 block of Babcock Avenue in North Hollywood and fled on foot. The GPD airship continued to broadcast the location of the suspect and a perimeter was established. An extensive search of the area was conducted by multiple officers, including the Glendale and Burbank K-9 teams. While checking a property in the 5300 block of Beeman Avenue, officers located a rear door that was forced open. The homeowner was contacted and he confirmed no one should be inside his home and the door should be intact.

A search of the home by the Glendale and Burbank K-9 teams revealed the suspect hiding underneath an air conditioning duct in the attic. The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Karen Gary Melkonyan of Los Angeles. Melkonyan was taken into custody without incident.

A search of Melkonyan’s pockets revealed a fraudulent California driver’s license displaying his photo and a different name. Melkonyan was booked for felony evading, residential burglary, possession of a fraudulent driver’s license and multiple warrants.