Officer Rams Suspect’s Car to End Chase

An alleged intoxicated driver led sheriff’s deputies on a 40-minute pursuit on residential streets Friday before a California Highway Patrol officer rammed the suspect’s sports car with his police cruiser, authorities said.

Jabar Briggs, 26, of Lancaster was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and evading authorities, said Los Angeles Sheriff’s Lt. Steve Fredericks.

The chase began shortly after 6 p.m. when several motorists called 911 dispatchers from their cell phones to report an erratic driver. Deputies spotted Briggs driving a 1994 Honda del Sol near Challenger Way and Avenue K, Fredericks said. They attempted to pull Briggs over, but he allegedly failed to stop.

The chase wound through residential streets as Briggs drove at speeds ranging from 2 mph to 50 mph, Fredericks said. Briggs allegedly rolled through stop signs, ran red lights and drove on the wrong side of the road.

Deputies were positioned at intersections to block traffic, Fredericks said.

The chase ended about 7:35 p.m. at Avenue J and Stanridge Avenue when a CHP officer rammed Briggs’ car from behind, causing it to spin and then stop, Fredericks said.

Neither Briggs nor the officer was hurt, he said.