AK-47 found in paroled felon’s car after high speed chase

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Authorities found a loaded AK-47 rifle in the trunk of a car driven by a paroled felon after a high speed pursuit that concluded with a crash and short foot chase.

West Covina police attempted to stop a gray Toyota Camry for traffic violations at the Sunset Avenue exit off the 10 Freeway shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday. The driver led police on a chase that reached speeds in excess of 90 mph on city streets, West Covina police spokesman Rudy Lopez said.

The suspect vehicle entered the westbound 10 Freeway at speeds up to 100 mph before exiting at Temple City Boulevard in Rosemead. The driver tried to negotiate the tur, but hit the retaining wall just east of the offramp, Lopez said.

He swerved into the westbound lanes of the freeway and directly into the path of a pursuing police cruiser, which crashed into him.

The suspect climbed out of the front passenger window and fled on foot. He was arrested after a short chase and taken to County USC Medical Center. No officers were injured.

Robert Anthony Facciponti, 36, of West Covina was booked for felony evading, being a parolee in possession of ammunition, possession of a loaded firearm and an outstanding felony warrant, Lopez said.

Authorities found a loaded AK-47 rifle in the trunk of his car. Facciponti is scheduled to appear at West Covina Superior Court on Thursday. He is being held without bail.

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-- Richard Winton