Pacoima Man Arrested After 44-Minute Chase

A Pacoima man who authorities thought was driving a stolen truck led police on a 44-minute chase around the East Valley into Hollywood and back to the Valley before he lost control of the vehicle crashed into a wall in a parking lot in Pacoima, authorities said.

Jamie Veloz, who owns the truck he was driving, was arrested on suspicion of evading arrest after the Monday afternoon chase, which began when officers signaled him to pull over, said Sgt. Sol Pollen. Veloz was not injured.

Pollen said that Veloz probably did not want to stop because they believe he was using cocaine. A cocaine pipe was found in the car, he said.

Veloz eluded police on the surface streets of Pacoima driving at speeds between 45 m.p.h. to 55 m.p.h. Then he entered the Hollywood Freeway and drove toward Sylmar at speeds up to 85 m.p.h. before exiting, re-entering and driving to the Hollywood Bowl. Finally, he returned by freeway to Pacoima, where he crashed, Pollen said.