Police Chase, Arrest Man at Wheel of Motor Home
A man driving a motor home led police on a brief freeway chase Monday evening, which ended after the vehicle’s engine caught fire, according to California Highway Patrol.
The chase began about 5:45 p.m. when officers said they tried to stop the driver of the 28-foot, beige motor home for reckless driving. The officers reported seeing the motorist, Michael Phillips, 33, of Costa Mesa drive on and off the shoulder of the southbound San Diego Freeway, near the Costa Mesa Freeway, CHP spokeswoman Angel Johnson said.
With three CHP vehicles in pursuit, the motor home allegedly side-swiped a vehicle while crossing all five lanes of the freeway. Johnson said the motor home exited on West Bake Parkway with its engine on fire, pulling to a stop at Bake and Irvine Center Drive.
The driver allegedly ran from the scene, but was taken into custody by Irvine police a short distance away, Johnson said.
Phillips was booked into County Jail pending $25,000 bail on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run, evasion, resisting arrest and reckless driving.
No one was injured.
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