A man driving a stolen vehicle crashed into a light pole on Monterey Road just a few yards west of the intersection with Shenandoah Road and attempted to flee the scene on Monday morning.
Paul Lee “PJ” Martin, 29, of Los Angeles was taken into custody by San Marino Police officers and charged with multiple offenses after the Toyota Prius he was operating collided with a cement light standard on the south side of Monterey Road and rolled over.
Witnesses told the SMPD they saw Martin retrieve a bag and other property from the car before running into a rear yard in the 1600 block of Shenandoah Road.
A perimeter was established around Shenandoah and Virginia and Martin was taken into custody in the side yard of the property at 1615 Shenandoah, according to a police report.
Martin sustained injuries in the accident and was transported to a local hospital, where he was met by a representative from the Los Angeles County Probation Dept. The car had been reported stolen to the Los Angeles Police Dept. and was taken to the SMPD lot for further inspection and evidence processing. Martin was also in possession of a counterfeit key used by the United States Post Office.
San Marino Police Chief John Incontro told The Tribune on Monday afternoon that Martin could face additional charges.
“During our search we acquired some additional property, including drugs, that was in his possession so we believe there could be additional charges,” said Incontro.
The incident received a response from the Pasadena Police Department’s helicopter unit and affected traffic on Monterey between Virginia and St. Albans.
