Outpouring of support for dog hit during South LA car chase
LOS ANGELES -- Gordo, a small white dog that was hit by a stolen van during a pursuit in South Los Angeles Wednesday night, is expected to survive - but he will need surgery and may have to get his leg amputated, according to the vet.
Two suspects were taken into custody after the pursuit, which started around 8:30 p.m. when the driver of a Chevrolet Astrovan failed to pull over during a traffic stop.
The suspect drove erratically at high speeds without headlights on surface streets. The van drove onto sidewalks at least twice, drove into oncoming traffic and narrowly missed several vehicles.
After police used the PIT maneuver, the van lost at least two tires, but the driver turned around and kept going with sparks flying from underneath the vehicle.
The van then ran over Gordo in the street minutes later on 87th Street between Wadsworth and Hooper avenues. The dog disappeared after the crash, but was later found hiding under a car.
Gordo was then rushed to City of Angels Veterinary Specialty Center in Culver City to receive emergency medical care.
Gordo has been receiving an outpouring of support from people on social media, with the hashtag #savethewhitedog even trending on Twitter.
Anyone who wishes to donate and help Gordo and his family with veterinary expenses can contact www.accessanimalhospitals.com.
