Suspect arrested after freeway chase ends in Costa Mesa
A high-speed pursuit that began on the 55 Freeway in Santa Ana ended with an arrest in Westside Costa Mesa on Monday afternoon.
At about 12:40 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers began following a 2003 Toyota that was headed north on the 55 near Dyer Road after authorities checked the license plate and learned the car had been reported stolen, said CHP Officer Florentino Olivera.
Officers turned on their lights as the vehicle entered the southbound 5 Freeway, but the driver didn’t stop. Patrol cars pursued the vehicle as it traveled through Irvine, returned to the 55 and exited in Costa Mesa, at times reaching speeds of more than 100 mph, Olivera said.
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During the chase, the Toyota hit two other vehicles and a freeway sign, according to the CHP. No one was injured.
Olivera said the Toyota crashed into a traffic signal at the intersection of 19th Street and Pomona Avenue in Costa Mesa, and the driver fled on foot to a nearby apartment complex.
After a brief search by CHP and Costa Mesa officers and a police dog, the CHP took a suspect into custody.
Michael John Heasley, 27, of Westminster was arrested on suspicion of evading a peace officer, reckless driving, resisting a peace officer, driving under the influence of drugs, hit-and-run and possession of controlled-substance paraphernalia and a stolen vehicle.
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
