Suspect killed on 215 North after wild chase in San Bernardino

ByHanna Chu and Leanne Suter KABC logo
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Suspect killed on 215 North after wild chase in San Bernardino
All northbound lanes of the 215 Freeway were shut down in San Bernardino after a wild chase ended with a fatal shooting.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- All northbound lanes of the 215 Freeway were shut down in San Bernardino after a wild chase ended with a fatal shooting on Friday.

The San Bernardino Police Department says officers were in pursuit of a suspect in a stolen vehicle around 1:30 p.m. Investigators say the suspect was driving erratically and was involved in several collisions during the pursuit, including hitting several police cars.

"This guy came careening up the highway, driving like a lunatic. He put me off on the shoulder. Then he veered hard left and hit the guardrail," said witness Christopher Smith.

At one point, the suspect vehicle's hood popped off.

The chase ended just before 2:30 p.m. near the University Parkway exit when police boxed the suspect in. Investigators say as he tried to ram another patrol car, officers opened fire.

"Cop car slammed the rear of his car. They all came out guns drawn and gave an opportunity to surrender. He didn't take it," Smith said.

No officers were injured, but a male suspect was declared dead at the scene.

The northbound 215 was backed up for about a mile due to the police activity. Drivers were advised to avoid the area.

If you have video of any part of the chase, you're asked to call the San Bernardino Police Department at (909) 384-5742.