Man Suspected of Attacking Wife Arrested After Pursuit

VAN NUYS — A man kidnapped his wife, slashed her face repeatedly with a box cutter and led police on a short pursuit Monday afternoon before he was captured, authorities said.

Robert Brown, 29, snuck up behind his wife’s Toyota parked near Fulton Avenue and Victory Boulevard about 4:30 p.m., said Sgt. Steve Savala of the Los Angeles Police Department. Brown slashed the woman’s throat and forced her into the car, Savala said.

Police said a witness called 911 to report the incident. Shortly afterward, officers spotted the car near Ethel Avenue and Chandler Boulevard, Savala said. Brown allegedly refused to yield and a pursuit began.

The chase ended near Chandler Boulevard and Mary Ellen Avenue, when the driver pulled over, police said.

During the five-minute pursuit, Brown slashed his wife’s face with a box cutter, Savala said.

“It looks like he tried to cut her throat,” he said. “She has numerous facial injuries.”

She also suffered cuts to her left and right hands, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said.

Savala said the man threw the box cutter out of the car during the pursuit. The weapon was recovered by police.

When the pursuit was over, the 27-year-old woman jumped from the car and passed out on a nearby lawn, Savala said. She was taken to a hospital, where she remained Monday.

Brown, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, was being held at Van Nuys Jail. More charges are pending, including kidnapping and domestic violence, authorities said.