Deputy, three catalytic converter theft suspects injured in Valencia crash

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - Three suspects suffered significant injuries Saturday when their vehicle, allegedly containing stolen catalytic converters, crashed into a sheriff's SUV in Valencia, also injuring a deputy inside, authorities said.

Paramedics took the deputy to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to Lt. Brandon Barkley of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Santa Clarita Valley station.

Deputies were in pursuit of a vehicle that they believe contained stolen catalytic converters. The pursuit ended at 3:12 a.m. Saturday after the vehicle began moving erratically in the area of Lyons Avenue and the Golden State (5) Freeway, eventually leaving the surface streets, Barkley said.

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About 30 seconds later, according to the sheriff's watch commander, the Burbank Police Department put in a call for assistance regarding a pursuit.

"The same suspects we had initially pursued doubled back and crashed into the deputy's SUV," he said. "Three suspects were taken into custody and several catalytic converters were recovered."

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According to Barkley, all three suspects tried to flee on foot, but two were in "too much pain" and were apprehended immediately. He said the third suspect was "located in a tree at a nearby house."

Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the crash scene at 3:20 a.m., according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher.

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