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Police Tackle Theft Suspect Twice After Hospital Escape Attempt in Sun Valley
A theft suspect was taken down twice in one night — first inside a San Fernando Valley Kohl’s and then again after trying to escape from a hospital, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
On August 1, LAPD officers were conducting extra patrols at the Kohl’s store on Laurel Canyon Boulevard following recent theft reports. While walking through the men’s clothing section, they spotted 49-year-old Gregory Pekarek kneeling on the floor with an armful of jeans.
When officers approached him, Pekarek tried to run, prompting a chaotic takedown that was captured on police body camera video. He struck his head on a clothing rack during the struggle but continued resisting until he was subdued.
Pekarek was treated at a hospital for a cut above his eye. However, shortly after receiving medical attention, he attempted another escape — this time from the hospital. Officers quickly restrained him again.
“Get on the ground! Get on the ground!” one officer shouted in the video.
Pekarek was then booked into the Twin Towers Correctional Facility on burglary charges. The following day, medical staff determined he was experiencing a condition related to the force used during his arrest, and he was readmitted to the hospital for observation.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office later filed charges, including three counts of grand theft, one count of attempted grand theft, and two counts of resisting arrest.
Credit: CNN Newsource
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By: CNN Newsource
September 16, 2025
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