Auto theft suspect arrested after Covina police pursuit

A man driving a stolen pickup truck was arrested after a car chase and foot pursuit Wednesday night.
The culprit abandoned the pickup which ended up hitting a parked car.
Covina Police Sgt. Jim McDonough said the officer found an EBT or Electronic Benefit Transfer card in someone else’s name in the stolen vehicle. A shaved key was also used to get the ignition started, he added.
The incident started around 11 p.m. on Vincent Avenue and San Bernardino Road when Officer Mario Corona saw a 1997 black Nissan pickup truck with no taillight.
The officer ran the license plate and found out the vehicle was reported stolen to the LAPD on Dec. 27, according to McDonough.
Corona followed the pickup. The chase began at Edna Place and Vincent Avenue.
It hit a top speed of 75 mph and lasted about two minutes. McDonough said the driver also drove on the wrong side of the street and ran two “Stop” signs.
After a mile and a half, the driver ditched the pickup and headed for a relative’s home.
McDonough said the man was trying to jump a fence to get into the
relative’s backyard when he was tackled by the officer.
Ruben Barcena, 40, from Glendale was arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto, felony evading police, possession of a burglary tool and possession of stolen property.
He was booked at Covina jail and his bail is $75,000.

– Ruby Gonzales

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