Suspect injured by LAPD officers during arrest then attempts to flee from the hospital

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Sun Valley, CA - On August 1, 2025, around 9:25 p.m., Foothill Division uniformed officers were conducting an extra patrol in a department store located in the 8500 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, due to a recent theft that had occurred several days prior.

The suspect in that incident was identified as 49-year-old Gregory Pekarek, who stole a large quantity of clothing items from the location.

As the officers walked through the store, they observed Pekarek in the men’s clothing aisle, kneeling while holding a large number of jeans in his arms.

As the officers approached Pekarek and began speaking with him, Pekarek attempted to run and a Non-Categorical use of force occurred. During the struggle, Pekarek struck his head on a clothing rack; however, he continued to resist.

The officers used physical force, firm grips, and bodyweight to ultimately restrain Pekarek and take him into custody. Pekarek sustained a laceration above his right eye and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

A second Non-Categorical use of force occurred with Pekarek when he attempted to flee the facility.

Pekarek was eventually cleared for booking and was ultimately transported to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility. Pekarek was booked for Burglary.

On August 2, 2025, around 6:30 p.m., medical staff determined Pekarek was experiencing a medical condition attributed to the use of force with the officers and would be admitted for observation.

Several officers sustained minor injuries during both uses of force; however, they did not require medical treatment. No other community members were injured during this incident.