Police Halt Quarry In Car; Foot Race
Two National City police officers got their man yesterday afternoon, but it took a lot of doing. They had to chase him three miles through peak traffic at speeds up to 80 miles an hour, crash into the car he was driving, and then run him down afoot.
Their quarry, Alvin Heard, 18 an unemployed laborer of 3229 Webster Ave., was booked at the city jail on suspicion of auto theft, burglary and reckless driving.
He also is being held for alleged traffic violations with bond totally $610 in National City.
Traffic Investigator C. D. Rucker said the 1959 model sedan Heard was driving is owned by Robert Byrd, a Camp Pendleton marine.
National City Patrolmen Alan Gagnon and William Devaney said they were patrolling on National ave in downtown National City when they saw the sedan speeding north.
They said they began chasing it, with red lights and siren on, but Heard sped up. They said he hit a car at Eighth street and National, and fled at speeds up to 80 miles an hour in heavy traffic.
The officers chased the car onto Osborn st in San Diego, and said Heard made a turn onto Burch street, then into Thor street. They were right behind.
Rucker said Heard attempted a left turn from Thor onto Dalbergia street and the police car, also attempting to turn, piled into the left side of the sedan.
Gagnon said Heard jumped from the damaged vehicle and tried to run away, but the officers caught him. Rucker estimated damage to the two cars at $300 each.