Glendale police officers were involved in a vehicle pursuit of a wanted parolee, which ultimately resulted in a fatal traffic collision.

  On July 8, at approximately 11:15 p.m. Glendale Police Dept. officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in the area of Acacia Avenue and Chevy Chase Drive in the City of Glendale. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

  The pursuit lasted less than two minutes and covered approximately one mile. During that time, the suspect disregarded multiple traffic signals as it traveled eastbound on Acacia Avenue and northbound on Verdugo Road. 

The pursuit concluded when the suspect vehicle was involved in a traffic collision at the intersection of Verdugo Road and Wilson Avenue. The impact caused the vehicle to strike a utility pole. The driver, who was the sole occupant, was found unresponsive. Officers immediately rendered medical aid and began CPR until relieved by personnel from the Glendale Fire Dept.

  The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. No other individuals were injured in the collision. The deceased was identified as Shawn Justin Towne, a 51-year-old White male and a resident of Los Angeles. Towne was wanted on a warrant and was on active parole.

  This incident remains under investigation by the Glendale Police Dept. For more information, contact Public Information Officer Sgt. Barajas at GPDPIO@GlendaleCA.gov.