Media Contact: Sgt. Hauptmann
Office: 818-937-8888
Cell: 818-299-1565
Email: GPDPIO@Glendaleca.gov
Male Arrested for Felony Evading and Possessing Controlled Substances for Sale
On October 2, 2021 just after 11:00 a.m., a Glendale Police Officer on patrol was in the area of Pacific Ave. and Broadway Blvd. when they observed a vehicle make a left turn against a red arrow. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, later identified as 33-year-old Robert Pena of Burbank, regarding the violation. During the contact, Pena provided the officer with his California ID card, but as the officer was conducting a records check of him, Pena rolled up his window and drove away from the traffic stop at a high rate of speed. The officer initiated a vehicle pursuit and Pena entered the southbound 5-freeway where he drove at speeds estimated to be in excess of 80 MPH as he swerved through traffic. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle pursuit was terminated by GPD officers.
Later that day, just after 1:00 p.m., Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department located Pena’s vehicle unoccupied in their jurisdiction with fresh traffic collision damage on it. Glendale Police Officers responded to the location and noticed there was marijuana and methamphetamine in plain view on the center console of the vehicle. A further search of the vehicle revealed a double bladed knife, nine different containers/bags of marijuana, two methamphetamine pipes, a small digital scale, and other narcotics related paraphernalia.
On October 11, 2021, Detectives with the Glendale Police Department located Pena, who was now wanted for felony evading, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop of him at approximately 12:30 p.m. in the City of Newhall, however; Pena again fled at a high rate of speed and detectives initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, Pena was estimated to be traveling at speeds in excess of 100 MPH along Sierra Hwy until he lost control of his vehicle, causing it to go off the roadway and roll over multiple times before coming to a stop.
Once the dust settled, detectives observed Pena standing next to his vehicle and he was subsequently placed under arrest. Pena was transported to the hospital where he received medical treatment for his injuries. A search of Pena’s vehicle revealed a large quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin along with packaging materials, a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia. Pena later admitted to detectives that he was in possession of these controlled substances for the purpose of selling them. Once Pena was treated, he was transported to the Glendale Police Department where he was booked for multiple charges including felony evading and possessing controlled substances for sale.
