Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the end of a pursuit that involved the crash of an LAPD black and white to help with its investigation.

On Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at 12:20 AM, LAPD Mission Area officers were in pursuit of a stolen pick up truck. The pursuit took place through San Fernando Valley streets and onto the 405 Freeway. The suspect left the freeway at Sherman Way. As the primary officers approached Hayvenhurst Avenue, the driver of the primary unit lost control of his police car, ran off the road and collided with a tree.

The Los Angeles Police Department Specialized Collision Investigation Detail (SCID) is investigating.
SCID believes the officer may have lost control in attempt to avoid a collision with an uninvolved vehicle. The uninvolved vehicle was described as either a white Honda or a Grey Toyota. The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting that the driver of this vehicle, or anyone who may have witnessed the collision, to contact Traffic Coordination Section at 213-847-1630.

The driver officer, Officer Michael Scott, a seven-year veteran, was not seriously hurt. The passenger Officer Kelly Leiphardt, a two-year veteran, was trapped in the police car. She suffered a broken leg in the crash. The officers were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Two suspects David Sasser 37 years old, and Enrique Morales 27 years old were later apprehended and placed under arrest. They have been charged with, Driving without owner’s consent, Felony Evading, and Misdemeanor Hit and Run.

On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).