Pursuit of Kidnapping Suspect and Victim Ends in Westminster
Pursuit Details
The pursuit of a kidnapping suspect and victim from the Santa Fe Springs area to Westminster lasted about 105 minutes on Saturday, with flat front tires slowing the pace to a crawl. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) became aware of the alleged kidnapping at around 6:45 p.m. and began pursuing the older model white convertible Ford Mustang at the southbound 5 Freeway and Florence Avenue in the Downey-Santa Fe Springs area.
Tire Deflation
Officer Sean Lough, a spokesperson for the CHP, reported that officers deployed spike strips on the southbound 605 Freeway in the Cerritos area, which flattened the two front tires, significantly slowing the pursuit. This caused traffic behind the car to come to a crawl.
Confrontation and Arrest
When the car finally stopped on the freeway at Springdale Street in Westminster, a crowd of people had gathered on the overpass to observe the pursuit. The man behind the steering wheel got out of the car with his hands up, followed by a woman who appeared to be talking on a cell phone. The suspect and alleged victim hugged before she walked over to the awaiting CHP officers, and the man was taken into custody.
Relationship Between Suspect and Victim
The relationship between the suspect and the victim has not been disclosed.
Conclusion
The pursuit, which lasted over an hour and a half, concluded with the suspect being taken into custody and the alleged victim being freed. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of swift action by law enforcement in responding to allegations of kidnapping and the effectiveness of tactical measures in bringing suspects to justice.
FAQs
Q: How long did the pursuit last?
A: The pursuit lasted approximately 105 minutes.
Q: Where did the pursuit begin and end?
A: The pursuit began in the Downey-Santa Fe Springs area and ended in Westminster.
Q: What type of tires were used to slow the pursuit?
A: Officer Sean Lough reported that officers deployed spike strips on the southbound 605 Freeway in the Cerritos area, which flattened the two front tires.
