Man Shot, Killed After Chase on Ortega Highway

A man who led police on a chase Wednesday night on Ortega Highway was shot and killed after he fired at least once at an officer, police said.

San Clemente police began to chase the man at 8:49 p.m. when they suspected he was drunk, said Lt. Bill Trudeau. The driver, who apparently was alone in the car, led officers from South El Camino Real north along the San Diego Freeway and then to Ortega Highway, were three police cars gave chase, police said.

During the chase, officers learned that the 1980 Cadillac coupe had been reported stolen from Westminster.

Police had followed the vehicle about eight miles east along Ortega Highway when the man finally stopped, Trudeau said. The man fired from inside the car, police said. At least one officer fired back, hitting the man and killing him. No officers were reported injured, Trudeau said.

Trudeau said he did not know how many shots were fired or why the man started shooting. He was not immediately identified.