Stolen-vehicle suspect leads authorities on multi-county chase
BUENA PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- A stolen-vehicle suspect led authorities on a chase in Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties before losing a front tire and being taken into custody in Newport Beach.
The suspect traveled at speeds between 70 and 80 mph on freeways including the 57, 60, 15 and 10.
The driver was traveling in a white van reported stolen in Santa Ana. There were initial reports more than one person was inside the van and someone may be armed.
The van made its way from the 60 Freeway in Orange County into San Bernardino County's Ontario area before the suspect decided to go back westbound.
The pursuit moved through Ontario, Montclair and Claremont before getting back into L.A. County territory in Pomona.
The suspect then got back onto the southbound 57 Freeway, heading toward Orange County again.
Speeds remained consistent at about 70 mph as the driver traveled through Diamond Bar, Yorba Linda, Anaheim and Orange.
The chase continued southbound on the 5 Freeway.
While in the Santa Ana area, a hub cap and tire were spotted flying off the front wheel of the van. The driver then briefly opened the driver's side door.
The van continued on with the front-left wheel traveling on its rim, and the driver suddenly began waving through the driver's side window while slowing down to about 40 mph.
There were reports the tire came loose due to a spike strip that was deployed while the chase was under a freeway overpass.
The driver got off of the freeway at Enterprise Drive in Irvine. Sparks were ignited as the van made a turn onto surface streets.
The pursuit continued on as the suspect blew through red lights on surface streets.
The van slowed down significantly and came to a stop along MacArthur Boulevard near Bison Avenue in Newport Beach.
A female passenger stepped out of the van with her hands up and was taken into custody without incident.
The driver, who appeared to be limping, also stepped out with his arms up and was handcuffed.
