CHP: Man who tried to run over officer in pursuit has warrants

A man who led police and California Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed pursuit Monday from Agoura Hills to Tarzana was wanted on two warrants for assault with a deadly weapon, officials said.

The chase lasted less than an hour, but in that time the driver allegedly tried to run over a CHP officer on a motorcycle and rammed two other vehicles. He was arrested when he was boxed in traffic on Reseda Boulevard, and police grabbed him through the SUV’s driver’s-side window, pulled him out and handcuffed him.

The man’s name was not immediately available, but CHP officials said he is 40 years old and from Santa Clarita. The man’s name did not match the registration of the vehicle he was driving, but the vehicle had not been reported stolen, authorities said. Officers were trying to contact the SUV’s registered owner Monday.

The chase began about 8:30 a.m. on the eastbound 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills when a CHP officer tried to pull over a black SUV for speeding. Instead of stopping, the SUV sped off and tried to run over a motorcycle officer, said CHP Officer Francisco Villalobos.

The chase was called off when the driver pulled off the freeway and lost his pursuers after about 15 minutes, authorities said. But within minutes, Los Angeles police spotted the vehicle and the pursuit began again.

The driver sped back onto the 101 Freeway and exited on Reseda Boulevard in Tarzana. Once the driver exited, he steered right into rush-hour traffic and was boxed in. LAPD and CHP officers and officers in unmarked vehicles quickly surrounded the vehicle with their guns drawn and arrested him.

The man was booked into Van Nuys jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, felony evading and reckless driving, and for his outstanding warrants.

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