Big-rig dump truck driver arrested after multi-county police chase

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. (KABC) -- A vehicle-theft suspect was apprehended in San Diego County after attempting to run down an officer in Ontario.

Ontario Police said the chase began near Baker Avenue and Salina Street in Rancho Cucamonga at 12:35 p.m.

Ontario Police received information about a stolen 2007 Freightliner dump truck in the city at about 12:35 p.m. A responding officer located the vehicle, which was stopped with the suspect standing outside of it. The officer exited his vehicle and attempted to hold the suspect at gunpoint, according to the Ontario Police Department. The suspect then got into the truck and allegedly drove it directly toward the officer, who had to take evasive action to avoid being struck. The officer then initiated a pursuit of the vehicle.

The suspect, later identified as 41-year-old Alberto Ochoa of Riverside, drove the dump truck southbound on the 15 Freeway in the San Bernardino area before exiting the 74 in Lake Elsinore.

The pursuit then continued in the Temecula area into northern San Diego County.

The driver exited the freeway at about 2:45 p.m. and pulled into a gas station. He got out of the truck, and officers could be seen surrounding the location. A police K9 dog apprehended the suspect.

The suspect was taken into custody at the location near Mira Mesa shortly before 3 p.m.

Ontario Police, Riverside County Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol personnel all took part in the pursuit at various stages. No officers were injured.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Ontario Police Department at (909) 986-6711.