Man Arrested Following Brief Pursuit in Pasadena, Gun Seized

A man previously convicted of leading police on a dangerous pursuit was once again arrested Saturday night after leading officers on a short chase through Pasadena while allegedly armed with a handgun, officials said.

Police tried to pull over a vehicle about 10:05 p.m. at Raymond Avenue and Washington Boulevard, Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Burgess said. But the driver sped away, initiating a brief pursuit.

The driver abandoned the car about three blocks away and ran onto the property of the Kings Villages apartment complex, where he was soon captured by pursuing officers, according to Burgess.

A loaded handgun was recovered from the man’s pocket, he said.

Lavonce Trayvene Walker, 29, of Pasadena was booked on suspicion of evading police and weapon-related offenses, according to police and Los Angeles County booking records.

A passenger who remained in the car when it was abandoned at the end of the pursuit was not arrested, police said.

Walker was convicted in 2016 of evading police causing injury or death, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court records.

Prior convictions also include auto theft and domestic battery in 2010, records show.

Bail for Walker was set at $190,000 pending his initial court appearance.