SWAT vehicle slams into semi-truck during police chase; driver, passenger in custody

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A driver and passenger were taken into custody Wednesday morning after leading authorities on a wild chase in a semi-truck that was reported stolen.

The chase began around 9:30 a.m. in the Fontana area before making its way into Orange County.

The Fontana Police Department told ABC News that officers tried to conduct a traffic stop after learning the license plate on the truck, owned by Ryder Truck Rental, was linked to another vehicle. That's when the man behind the wheel took off, with another man in the passenger seat.

The suspect drove through several cities during the hourlong pursuit, with California Highway Patrol officers joining the chase on freeways.

The passenger - who has not been identified - kept opening the door as if he was trying to get out.

At one point, an armored police vehicle with North County SWAT, who happened to be in the area and began following the suspect, slammed into the semi-truck during an unsuccessful PIT maneuver.

The chase ended in the Buena Park area.

"It's pretty quiet around this neighborhood, so things like this really don't happen too often," said Buena Park resident Julian Velasquez. "I've never seen something like this happen in front of my eyes, where SWAT and police teams are pulling people out of a vehicle at gunpoint. It's something I only see on the news or online."

Authorities previously said the passenger was possibly being held against his will in the truck, but police are still working to verify that.

The relationship between the driver and passenger is unknown. Both the driver and passenger were taken into custody as the investigation continues.

It later emerged each of the two men had an outstanding warrant issued for them, for alleged grand theft auto. Another warrant had also been issued for the driver, who was wanted on suspicion of being an armed and dangerous parolee at large.

Their names were not immediately released.