Two arrested after Montebello police pursuit

MONTEBELLO -- Police officers, both human and canine, arrested a drunken man who led them on a brief car chase early Sunday, authorities said.

Juan Guardado, 24, of Pico Rivera was booked on suspicion of evading police and drunken driving, Montebello Police Lt. Rich Meadows said. He was also being investigated in connection with auto theft, possession of stolen property and narcotics charges.

Sandra Gonzalez, 19, of Montebello, a passenger in the car, was booked on suspicion of possession of narcotics, police added.

Officers received information about 2:20 a.m. regarding a stolen car that had just been dropped off in the 400 block of South Third Street, Meadows said.

Officials also developed information about a second car possibly related to the abandonment of the stolen car, and quickly spotted a car matching the description less than a mile away at Greenwood Avenue and Beach Street, "leaving at a high rate of speed," the lieutenant said.

"Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but it failed to yield and a short pursuit ensued," Meadows said.

When the car reached the area of Paramount and Washington Boulevards, officers tried unsuccessfully to use a PIT maneuver to bring the chase to an end.

"The driver started making multiple U-turns in the street," Meadows said. Officers used their patrol units to box in the fleeing car, stopping the chase.

"The driver immediately exited the vehicle and stated he had a gun," he said. "A police K-9 was deployed and apprehended (Guardado)."

Officials ultimately found Guardado did not have a gun.

Gonzalez and another man who was riding in the car were detained without further incident, Meadows said. Gonzalez was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, while the other passenger was released without charges.

Officials also found property they suspect may be stolen inside the car, Meadows added.

Guardado was treated for dog bites before being taken to jail, police said.

According to sheriff's booking records, Guardado was being held in lieu of $75,000 bail, and Gonzalez was being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Both were scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in East Los Angeles Superior Court.