Pursuit Ends as Driver Takes Plunge
A Quartz Hill man led sheriff’s deputies on a nearly one-hour car and foot chase Wednesday, driving recklessly on country roads and leaping into the California Aqueduct, authorities said.
Sheriff’s deputies arrested Gordon Tulloch, 24, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, evading police and driving with a suspended license.
More than 20 patrol cars and one helicopter were involved in the pursuit of a 1985 Chevrolet Camaro, Sgt. Greg McHenry said, adding that deputies watched as the driver played “chicken” with other motorists, driving on the wrong side of the street and swerving just short of a collision.
When the car’s transmission blew near the California Aqueduct in Palmdale, the driver jumped into the frigid water to evade pursuing deputies, McHenry said. “I thought he was going to drown for sure. There’s a pretty swift current in there too,” he said. But the driver managed to get out of the water and was not injured.
Deputies who caught up to Tulloch near the aqueduct doused him with pepper spray to control him during the arrest, authorities said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
