91 Fwy standoff with attempted murder suspect ends after multi-county chase

CORONA, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect was taken into custody after a multi-county chase and hours-long standoff with the California Highway Patrol on the 91 Freeway Thursday evening.

Officials said the pursuit began on the 91 Freeway heading eastbound near Central Avenue in Compton at about 6:30 p.m.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said the driver was wanted for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

The suspect, who was in a Mercedes-Benz, hit several cars on the 91 Freeway while trying to weave through stopped traffic.

The suspect led authorities from Los Angeles County, through Orange County and into Riverside County.

The driver's tires were hit with a spike strip and the car began falling apart, with sparks flying as the vehicle rode on its rims. The suspect used a barricade to guide the vehicle down the 91 Freeway.

The vehicle became disabled in the Corona area at about 7:30 p.m. and the suspect refused to leave the car.

The 91 Freeway was shut down in both directions near Green River Road in Corona, with thousands of cars backed up for miles. Officials diverted some traffic on the westbound side to the northbound 71 freeway.

At one point, officials said they were trying to locate a child with a medical issue who was stuck in the westbound 91 Freeway traffic due to the standoff, according to the Corona Fire Department.

At about 9:45 p.m., a SWAT team used smoke to force the suspect out of the car. The SWAT team and a K9 moved in and took the suspect into custody.

Deputies told ABC7 the suspect was wanted in connection with an attempted murder that took place in the 7600 block of Miramonte Boulevard in Florence on Monday.

Officials said the suspect and three other males were in a car when they attempted to shoot someone from the vehicle, but stated the gun malfunctioned.

Deputies could not confirm whether the suspect was the attempted gunman or an accomplice.