N. Hollywood Motorcyclist Injured Fleeing From Police

WEST HILLS —  A North Hollywood man who fled from police on a motorcycle probably saved his own life when he donned a helmet before trying to outrun officers on a chase through side streets that reached speeds of at least 60 m.p.h., authorities said Sunday.

Oscar Xavier Alvarado, 25, told police on Saturday that he was under the influence of methamphetamines, Los Angeles Police Sgt. Bruce Cowan said.

Police responded to a call of disturbing the peace in the 8100 block of Haskell Avenue about 3 p.m. and spotted Alvarado driving a motorcycle away from a house he reportedly had attempted to enter by breaking a window, Cowan said.

Alvarado drove through one red light and reached at least 60 m.p.h. as he began to ride uphill toward the intersection of Haskell Avenue and Superior Street, Cowan said.

A bad wobble on the front wheel caused Alvarado to lose control of the motorcycle and crash onto the pavement as he reached the crest of the hill, the officer said.

Police found Alvarado sprawled in the intersection, with his personal belongings spread in all directions, police said.

“Wearing the helmet probably saved his life,” Cowan said.

Alvarado was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center where he was treated for lacerations to his chin and back, internal injuries and head trauma, police said. He was later moved to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center, police said.

A blood sample was taken to determine what, if any, illegal substances were in his system, Cowan said. Criminal charges are pending, awaiting the results of the test.

According to Cowan, who was at the scene of the accident, Alvarado began shouting: “I want to die. Kill me, kill me,” and other statements about bad drugs he’d received when police caught up with him.