Driver Arrested After Short Police Chase Ends With Crash in Pasadena

A reckless and possibly intoxicated driver led police on a brief pursuit in Pasadena before crashing his car into a light pole early Saturday, officials said.

The incident began about 6:10 a.m. when officers spotted a reckless driver blowing through red lights in the area of Walnut Street and Madison Avenue, Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Burgess said.

The driver showed no response when police activated their emergency lights and tried to pull him over, kicking off a pursuit, he said.

He continued running red lights as he led police on a pursuit that ended just over a quarter-mile away, when the fleeing vehicle slammed into a light pole, according to the lieutenant.

Police took the driver into custody. He was not hurt in the crash, but was taken to a hospital for examination prior to being booked into jail, police said.

In addition to evading police, officers were also looking into the possibility the driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Burgess said. His identity was not available pending completion of the booking process.