Los Angeles: Two LAPD police officers injured, two police cars totaled, and seven pedestrians targeted in North Hills.
Around 12:40 a.m., on Wednesday, August, 1, 2007, Jimmy Giron, a 26-year-old, male, Hispanic from Panorama City, went to visit his ex-girlfriend in the 8500 block of Sepulveda Boulevard, in North Hills. After a heated exchange of words, he left the establishment, got into a white 1996 Dodge panel van and attempted to run over seven pedestrians. Two of the pedestrians were struck, treated for minor injuries and released at the scene.
After striking the pedestrians, the suspect attempted to evade police and drove onto the 118 Freeway from Sepulveda Boulevard. After colliding with a car on the freeway that spun the van in the opposite direction, Giron began driving the wrong way on the freeway, exiting off the onramp.
The pursuit resumed on City streets. At one point the suspect suddenly slammed on his brakes and backed into the pursuing black and white patrol car. As a result of the suspect’s actions, two officers were injured. One officer received a broken wrist, and the other was treated for minor injuries caused by the deploying air bag. Both officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The suspect continued his rampage and rammed yet another patrol vehicle. Police officers in this patrol car were not injured. In total, the suspect attempted to collide with pursuing units on three occasions. He eventually abandoned his vehicle and tried to get away on foot. Officers took him into custody without further incident at Sepulveda and Roscoe Boulevards.
Suspect Jimmy Giron will be charged with 4 counts of attempted murder on a police officer, 3 counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a police officer and 3 counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon for the pedestrians.
Digital photographs of one of damaged police cars are available at Media Relations Section.
For additional information, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.