Wednesday, August 28, saw a DUI suspect arrested in Castaic, CA (north of Los Angeles) after a high speed pursuit down the 5 freeway. Eduardo Gutierrez, of Azusa, CA, drove through closed construction lanes on the 5 freeway, prompting the CHP officers stationed there to give pursuit.
Initially, the officers were able to stop Gutierrez shortly after he drove through the closed lanes and were in the process of approaching his 2003 Ford Expedition when he immediately took off, fleeing from police.
It is reported that during the pursuit the suspect reached speeds in excess of 100 mph and used the center divider to weave in and out of traffic. CHP officers were able to finally stop the high speed chase by using a spike strip and the Expedition and Gutierrez came to a stop south of Parker Road.
The arrest was made without incident, however upon reaching the Santa Clarita Sheriff Station, the suspect became agitated and attempted to flee the building.
Deputies were once again able to subdue him by using a “conductive energy weapon” which is similar to a Taser gun. During the struggle, the suspect sustained injuries to his face and was therefore transported to Henry Mayo Hospital to receive medical care.
Upon release, he is expected to be charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, felony evading, resisting arrest and battery of a police officer. He will be held on $100,000 bond and, to top it all off, there was an existing warrant for his arrest in the sum of $30,000.
