Wild chase on sparking wheels ends in man running down California freeway, violent arrest

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Friday, March 6, 2020
Suspects in stolen vehicle lead chase through Palmdale area
Two suspects in a stolen vehicle led deputies on a chase through the Palmdale area with a hood blocking the windshield and two tires blown out by spike trips.

PALMDALE, Calif. -- Two suspects in a stolen vehicle led deputies on a wild chase Thursday night in California with a hood blocking the windshield and two tires blown out by spike strips.

By the end, the car was sending off sparks as it was forced to eventually slow down on the 5 Freeway in Sylmar.

The driver jumped out and tried to dodge speeding traffic on the freeway on foot before deputies were able to swarm him and take him into custody as he continued to struggle. One deputy was clipped by a car but appeared to avoid serious injury.

There were reports of gunfire being exchanged between the suspects and deputies early in the chase. After it concluded, paramedics were seen treating the passenger who appeared to have serious injuries.

A suspect in a stolen vehicle led deputies on a chase through the Palmdale area with a hood blocking the windshield and two tires blown out by spike trips.

The chase started in the Palmdale area and the suspects eventually drove through a security fence at the Palmdale airport and then got on a nearby freeway.

For much of the chase, the car's hood appeared to be up and blocking the windshield. Also at least two tires were seen falling off after spike strips were deployed, but the vehicle was able to keep driving at speeds over 50 mph.