LOCAL : Santa Ana Man Jailed After Chase
A Santa Ana man was jailed early today after he led Huntington Beach police on a chase through Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Irvine.
Michael Patrick Leonard, 29, was arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine, driving under the influence of alcohol, evading arrest and resisting arrest.
Lt. Bill Mamelli said police responded to a report at about 1:30 a.m. today of a suspicious appearing vehicle and driver in the southern part of the city.
“Officers responding observed the suspect, and then the vehicle fled,” Mamelli said.
After a 40-minute chase during which police thought they saw Leonard toss something from his car, the suspect was stopped at Culver Drive and Bryan Avenue in Irvine, Mamelli said.
Leonard attempted unsuccessfully to run, and a small amount of rock cocaine was found in his car, police said.
Leonard was being held in lieu of $10,000 bail, Mamelli said.
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