"Suspect Leads Police to Lancaster in Freeway Pursuit"
Los Angeles – On Sunday, February 4, 2001, at approximately 1:30 A.M., Nickolas Gipson, a male African-American, 21 years of age, was spotted in a silver Thunderbird, speeding on West Boulevard approaching 30th Street, by uniformed police officers from the Southwest Division. Officers attempted to make a traffic stop, but the suspect sped away in an attempt to evade police. Prior to entering the 10 Freeway near Crenshaw Boulevard, the suspect’s vehicle collided with another moving vehicle. Gipson fled the scene of the hit-and-run traffic collision and continued onto the Santa Monica (10) Freeway where police pursued him to the San Diego (405), the Golden State Freeway (5), and the Antelope Valley Freeway (14). At the request of the Los Angeles Police Department, the California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit along the Antelope Valley Freeway (14). The Los Angeles Police Department personnel, along with officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, continued to monitor and follow the pursuit.
The suspect led officers to the home of a relative in Lancaster, California where he attempted to enter the residence. The occupants of the residence refused Gipson entry to the home. At that time, LAPD officers along with CHP and LASO officers, took Gipson into custody without further incident.
Gipson was taken to a Los Angeles Police Department Jail where he was booked for Felony Evading. Gipson faces additional charges of misdemeanor hit-and-run and driving-under-the influence.
Southwest Detectives are handling the investigation. LAPD personnel were unable to locate the vehicle struck by Gipson’s car during the pursuit. Anyone with information regarding the vehicle struck by Gipson or the driver, is urged to call South Traffic Division Detectives at 213-485-7336.
This press release was prepared by Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.