This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Spray Cans, Gun Inside Car That Crashed Into Burger Stand
The Los Angeles Police Department have released details about today's solo vehicle crash at Tom's Burgers in North Hollywood. The driver, identified as 35-year-old North Hollywood resident Geoffrey Hathaway, who was injured when he drove his Acura Sedan through the burger joint's plate glass window at around 11:30 a.m., was found to be intoxicated--but not via booze or narcotics. The LAPD say officers recovered numerous aerosol cans and a handgun inside the man’s vehicle. Hathaway, well, he was huffing.
North Hollywood Patch elaborates:
"When the officers got here [the driver] was still sucking and breathing in out of the cans, which is a computer duster cleaner," said Los Angeles Police Capt. Ivan Minsal of the Valley Traffic Division. "He was inhaling it, so he is being arrested for DUI. He is in stable condition."
The victims of the crash included some Tom's patrons who were thrown from their booth upon impact. Two adults and a child were taken to an area hospital for treatment for minor abrasions. The investigation continues, and the LAPD is asking that anyone with information about Hathaway or the crash get in touch with their Valley Traffic Division (VTD) in North Hollywood immediately.