Authorities said the incident began just after 8 a.m. when officers received reports that a motorist was driving erratically and had thrown items into lanes. When the California Highway Patrol caught up to the driver on the northbound 5 Freeway near the Rosecrans Avenue off-ramp, the suspect got out of his vehicle and refused to move the car. He then got back into the vehicle and drove off, initiating the chase.
The Nissan Altima was seen swerving back and forth across all lanes, and at one point, the driver was seen throwing a bottle out of the window, as officers pursued the vehicle. Just before 9 a.m., the Altima made a U-turn on the freeway, narrowly missing CHP vehicles, and then made another U-turn moments later.
CHP officers quickly stopped the vehicle with a PIT maneuver just before the Atlantic Boulevard exit. When the driver did not exit the vehicle as ordered, an officer was seen breaking the driver's side window with a baton.
The suspect was dragged out of the car and was taken into custody. He was taken to County-USC Medical Center to be examined for possible injuries and to check his mental state. His name has not been released.
Three northbound lanes were closed for about an hour due to the investigation and cleanup.
