Driver thought to be suicidal leads chase from Valley to O.C. to San Diego
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A possibly suicidal woman was taken into custody Thursday night after leading police on a high-speed chase spanning multiple Southern California counties.
Los Angeles police alerted law enforcement agencies to look out for the woman, who they said suffered from mental illness and was possibly suicidal, Officer Nuria Vinegas said.
California Highway Patrol officers spotted the SUV she was driving in the San Fernando Valley and tried to stop her, but she continued driving, spurring the pursuit.
She drove from the Valley to Orange County along rain-slick roads, then finally slowed down in San Diego County.
Before stopping, the woman stuck her head and arm out the window, as seen in TV news footage.
The chase finally ended when she stopped on Interstate 5 just south of Oceanside.
She charged toward officers and was taken into custody.
For breaking news throughout California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA. She can be reached at veronica.rocha@latimes.com.
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