Robbery Suspect Sought After He Set Fire to and Escaped From Apartment

April 3, 2000

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Sunday, April 2, 2000

"Robbery Suspect Sought After He Sets Fire to and Escapes Apartment Building"

Northridge– On April 1, 2000, West Valley Patrol Officers were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department that a suspect wanted for both robbery and brandishing a firearm at a Sheriff’s Deputy on March 17, 2000, would be dropping someone off at Northridge Hospital that evening. Based upon the tip, West Valley Patrol Officers deployed on the hospital and observed the suspect (Steven Maurice Miko, Male Caucasian, 36 years old) drive to the entrance of the hospital and drop-off a female passenger. As Miko drove away at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop to take Miko into police custody. Instead, Miko led officers on a four-minute pursuit, until he ultimately abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot inside an apartment building located near Etiwanda Avenue and Parthenia Street. West Valley Officers then set up a perimeter to begin a search of the building for felony suspect Steven Miko.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. a fire began in one of the building’s apartments on the third floor. A Citywide tactical alert was called at approximately 8:50 p.m. Although the fire was extinguished, 5 LAPD officers suffered from smoke inhalation and had to be taken to a local hospital where they were treated and are in stable condition.

West Valley Detectives believe Miko started the fire in his apartment on the third floor and fled to an adjacent apartment through a hole he made in a wall. Miko then escaped the building through a third story window using air conditioning units as steps to the ground.

Miko is still being sought at this time and West Valley Detectives are handling the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Steven Miko is asked to call West Valley Detectives at
818-756-8591.

For Release 11:00 am PST
April 3, 2000