Woman Arrested After Pursuit on Freeway

A 33-year-old Washington state woman was arrested Monday after leading authorities on a high speed chase on the Ventura Freeway, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Susan Howe, of Bellingham, Wash., was being held at the Van Nuys jail on suspicion of reckless driving and evading arrest, said CHP Officer Glen Dominguez.

Officers “have no idea” why Howe attempted to escape, Dominguez said.

The 40-minute chase started in Ventura County on the southbound Ventura Freeway near Vineyard Avenue about 2 p.m., and ended near Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood, Dominguez said.

During the chase, which was broadcast live on a Los Angeles television station, Howe’s Ford Escort reached speeds up to 90 m.p.h. with two CHP officers traveling behind. At times she drove in the center divider, Dominguez said.

Near Laurel Canyon Boulevard, heavy traffic forced the woman to slow and a CHP car passed her, slowing to impede her progress. Another CHP car behind her “gave her a little push, causing her to spin and stop,” Dominguez said.

There were no injuries.