Stolen car suspect leads police on slow-speed chase in Huntington Beach

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities chased a stolen vehicle suspect at slow speeds through Huntington Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway Thursday morning.

Around 9:30 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department contacted Westminster police about a stolen white Mazda SUV in the area.

"They told us that the GPS in the car had been activated and the vehicle was currently driving in the city of Westminster," said Cmdr. Cameron Knauerhaze of the Westminster Police Department.

The suspect, later identified as Raul Negrete, failed to yield in the area of Monroe and 19th streets and then a chase ensued. Police said the 29-year-old was possibly armed with a gun, and his girlfriend, 30-year-old Jonni Huerta, was in the passenger seat with him willingly.

Authorities deployed spike strips throughout the pursuit to stop Negrete, who was traveling well under 35 mph, and were able to deflate three of the four tires.

The chase ended about one-quarter mile south of Seal Beach Boulevard, and Huerta stepped out first. She walked backward toward the officers and was taken into custody.

Negrete stuck his upper body out of the window holding what appeared to be a bottle as he engaged in a standoff with police. Crisis negotiators were called to the scene and an armored vehicle was placed in front of the car to prevent the suspect from fleeing.

"The suspect started drinking beer and having conversations with our officer...just going back and contemplating giving up," Knauerhaze said.

Around 11:15 a.m., Negrete stepped out of the car, took off his shirt, placed his hands behind his head and walked backward toward officers. Police said both suspects were arrested.