Short Pursuit Ends With Car Thieves in Custody

While two Whittier Patrol Officers were traveling northbound on Painter Avenue yesterday afternoon at 3:30, a vehicle exited the Quad (8537 Laurel Avenue) almost causing a traffic collision. While attempting a traffic stop on the vehicle it fled eastbound on Whittier Blvd and then southbound on Laurel Ave. After a short distance however, the car stopped and the driver and passenger were taken into custody.

The vehicle was recently reported stolen to Whittier PD and had been "cold plated," meaning another stolen license plate was placed on the car to masque its "stolen" identity. The victim is a 26 year old female resident and other items inside the car were determined to be from a recent auto burglary. Both suspects were charged with grand theft auto, fleeing from officers with disregard for public safety, receiving stolen property, and possession of burglary tools. Arrested Driver: Jeffrey Hatfield 9/30/82 Whittier resident, passenger: Pedro Gonzalez 9/01/76 Whittier resident.