Auto theft suspect jailed after chase; victim reported seeing stolen truck parked in Pico Rivera neighborhood

PICO RIVERA — Deputies jailed an auto theft suspect Sunday following a pursuit after a man reported spotting his truck, which had been stolen, parked in a Pico Rivera neighborhood, authorities said.
Suspected Lynwood gang member Daniel Gomez, 44, was booked on suspicion of auto theft, reckless driving and felony evading of police following the incident, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Joe Mendoza said.
A man called sheriff’s officials shortly before 2 p.m. to report seeing his red Ford F-150 pickup truck, which had recently been stolen, parked in the 6600 block of Baquette Avenue, Mendoza said.
On arrival, deputies saw a man — later identified as Gomez — and a woman standing beside the truck, the lieutenant said.
As deputies approached, the man jumped into the truck and drove off, initiating a chase, Mendoza said. The woman did not get into the car. She could not be found later.
Deputies chased the truck south on Rosemead Boulevard until it crashed into a curb near Rex Road and the driver got out and ran into a nearby neighborhood.
As officials were working to set up a search perimeter, Gomez made his way back to the truck and again led deputies on a brief vehicle chase, Mendoza said.
Gomez crashed the truck into the gate of an apartment complex in the 9000 block of Burma Road before exiting the vehicle and forcing his way into an apartment. The apartment was later determined to be the residence of an acquaintance of Gomez’s.
Deputies followed Gomez into the apartment, found him hiding in a closet and arrested him without further incident, Mendoza said.
Information regarding Gomez’s bail and initial court appearance was not available Sunday afternoon.

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