K-9 takes down suspect after chase leads to standoff on street in Westminster

WESTMINSTER, Calif. (KABC) -- A police dog took down a suspect in dramatic fashion Wednesday morning after a car chase led to a standoff on a street in Westminster.

The pursuit was prompted by a report at 8 a.m. of a carjacking involving a white Toyota RAV4 SUV, a spokesperson for the Fountain Valley Police Department said.

Officers spotted the vehicle on the 22 Freeway in Fountain Valley and gave chase, the spokesperson said.

The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Garden Grove resident Peter Espoto, stopped the car and got out near the intersection of Goldenwest Street and Garden Grove Boulevard, according to police.

The suspect was uncooperative and a standoff ensued, authorities said.

Around 8:30 a.m., the K-9 was deployed. Aerial video from AIR7 showed the police dog running at Espoto and forcing him to the ground before officers moved in and took him into custody.

The suspect suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment, police said.

Neither the K-9 nor any other officers were injured.