Driver in box truck arrested after chase in Santa Clarita area

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect in a box truck led authorities on a wild chase in the Santa Clarita area on Monday before abandoning the vehicle on a freeway, running across lanes and getting arrested.

The suspect, reportedly wanted for a stolen vehicle, was being chased by authorities on the 5 and 14 freeways, as well as on surface streets.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the suspect struck a pedestrian's vehicle while driving around in circles in a parking lot before getting back onto the road. Earlier reports indicated the suspect hit a patrol car, but officials later confirmed no deputies were involved.

While on the 14 Freeway, approaching Placerita Canyon, the suspect stopped the truck on a northbound HOV and ran out of the vehicle.

The driver ran across southbound freeway lanes, narrowly missing oncoming traffic. Sheriff's deputies quickly surrounded the suspect in a wash area on the side of the freeway with their guns drawn.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident off Sierra Highway near Placerita Canyon.