The suspect was apparently distraught over a recent separation from his wife and had shown up at her house, honking the horn to get her attention. She wasn't home, but several neighbors were at home and called police.
The suspect was inside a Chevy Tahoe, but when officers arrived, he took off, Arocha said.
Officers pursued the Tahoe on city streets in South Gate until the driver got on the freeway, where the California Highway Patrol took over.
The pursuit ended at the northbound 5 Freeway near Cesar Chavez in Boyle Heights about a half hour later when the driver slammed into the center divider. Police said the driver was apparently trying to kill himself over his failed relationship. Police also said alcohol was also a role in the crash.
The driver was injured in the crash and was taken to a local hospital. He is in stable condition.
The collision caused major delays on the northbound 5 as police cleared the scene.
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