VALINDA — Deputies jailed two gang members on suspicion of multiple charges Sunday after a short pursuit in a stolen car, authorities said.
Hector Gordian, 22, and Teofilo Ibarra, 18, both La Puente residents and members of the East Valinda Street Gang known as the “Townsmen,” were being held at the Los Angeles County sheriff’s Industry Station, Lt. Victor Sotelo said.
A deputies spotted a car about 2:05 a.m. on Azusa Avenue at Temple Avenue and realized it had been reported stolen, the lieutenant said.
“They attempted to effect a traffic stop and the vehicle attempted to evade them,” he said.
The car drove a short distance and stopped near the intersection of Temple Avenue and Amar road, where the driver, Gordian, and Ibarra jumped out and ran, Sotelo said.
Deputies captured Ibarra “almost instantaneously,” he said, but Gordian managed to flee into a nearby apartment complex.
Sotelo said a group of deputies spotted Gordian in the complex, chased him down and became involved in a fight with him.
They managed to subdue Gordian, officials said, but one deputy suffered a sprained knee and another sprained fingers in the process.
Deputies also discovered methamphetamine and items believed to have been stolen in a previous West Covina auto theft in the suspects’ possession, Sotelo said.
They were booked on suspicion of possession of a stolen car, possession of stolen property and possession of methamphetamine, he said. Gordian was also booked on suspicion of battery on peace officers.
According to sheriff’s booking records, Ibarra was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and Gordian was being held in lieu of $25,000 bail. They were due for arraignment Wednesday in West Covina Superior Court.