A gym teacher from Southeast Middle School wanted on suspicion of child abuse told police he was suicidal before leading officers on a chase across southeast LA that ended with his vehicle careening down an embankment and into a patio area outside a Palos Verdes building, according to police.
The driver -- later identified as 51-year-old Kip Richard Arnold -- was trapped inside the pickup, which was flipped sideways next to the office building, according to police. He was extricated by firefighter-rescue team members and transported in an ambulance.
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"He was able to answer some basic questions," Captain Phil Schneider of the L.A. County Fire Department said. "He was alert."
According to a statement from school officials, the Los Angeles Unified School District is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
"Officials of the (LAUSD) have been notified by the Bell Police Department of the arrest of Kip Arnold, a physical education teacher at Southeast Middle School, on suspicion of lewd behavior with a former student, and possibly additional victims.
"He has been with the District eight years. Past assignments include Nimitz Middle School, Gage Middle School and Orchard Academies 2B," according to the LAUSD statement.
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