Man, 36, Arrested After Chase on Highway 118

California Highway Patrol officers arrested a man Wednesday after a short pursuit that began in Moorpark with an alleged assault and theft of a van, authorities said.

Randy Jaquez, 36, of Los Angeles was taken into custody after he pulled off Highway 118 at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and surrendered to officers at about 1:30 p.m., authorities said.

The pursuit began shortly after Ventura County sheriff’s deputies received a report that a man had forced his way into the home of an elderly Moorpark couple.

The man knocked on the door of Leo and Pat Lotito’s home about 1 p.m. and asked for a glass of water.

When the door was opened to hand him the water the man forced his way inside and struggled briefly with Leo Lotito before stealing the keys to their Ford Aerostar van.

At the time Pat Lotito was on the phone with her daughter, who alerted authorities.

Leo Lotito received some scratches to his arm, but did not require treatment.

Sheriff’s deputies spotted the van a few minutes later and gave chase.

The van entered Highway 118 where Highway Patrol officers took over the pursuit.