Kidnapping suspect at large after bizarre police chase, standoff in Orange County

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A man remains at large on suspicion of kidnapping and leading authorities on a chase across several Orange County freeways that ended in a bizarre hours-long standoff Monday night.

The chase started around 4:30 p.m. in Huntington Park on a domestic dispute call, according to authorities.

Huntington Park officers called the Buena Park Police Department to assist. Buena Park officers checked out the location in the area, spotted the suspect and began following him.

The male suspect started evading officers and a chase ensued. Authorities said the suspect's girlfriend was in the Hummer with their two children. Authorities said it was unknown if the girlfriend was taken against her will, but she has a restraining order against him.

The driver in the dark-colored vehicle slowly weaved through traffic on the southbound 5 Freeway in Anaheim, Orange and Santa Ana, then got on the 55 Freeway and the 405 Freeway.

The suspect eventually exited Jamboree Road and traveled down through Newport Beach toward the coast. At one point, the suspect called officers to tell them he would not stop.

WATCH: Witness says OC kidnapping suspect was shot, asked for help

Witness tells Eyewitness News kidnapping suspect was shot and asked for help before fleeing from police.

During the hours-long chase, the suspect stopped multiple times at intersections. Around 7 p.m., the suspect even stopped and spoke with negotiators, but then quickly sped off down a residential road.

The suspect stopped at Dover Drive and East 17th Street and again began negotiating with police officers to peacefully surrender with his girlfriend and children around 9 p.m.

For a few hours, the suspect remained in the vehicle with the woman and kids, occasionally stepping out to let the two boys, ages 1 and 6, urinate before getting back into the SUV.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the Hummer's battery died. The children's mother was also on the phone with negotiators, but there was never an indication that the suspect would turn himself in.

He then fled from the officers into the brush in Castaways Park, leaving the mother and children behind. Authorities then set up a perimeter and began searching the area for the man with the help of K-9 officers.