High-Speed Chase Ends in Capo Beach, Resulting Accident Clogs I-5 for Miles

A high-speed chase of a truck that had been reported stolen that topped 90 mph ended in a collision on the southbound I-5 Freeway today, critically injuring the suspect and causing a rush hour backup that extended for miles.

The chase began when Anaheim police officers received an anonymous tip around 4 p.m. about a stolen Ford F-250 pickup truck car, according to Anaheim police Sgt. Bob Dunn.

The suspect sped onto the 57 Freeway and 55 Freeway in an attempt to elude a growing number of Anaheim and California Highway Patrol squad cars in pursuit, Dunn told City News Service.

By the time the truck entered Interstate 5, its speed topped 90 miles per hour, Dunn said.

The truck's male driver lost control of the vehicle at Camino De Estrella, where it collided with another vehicle, then slammed into the freeway's center divider and rolled over several times, according to Dunn.

The driver was ejected and taken to a hospital in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, Dunn said.

A male and a female who were also in the truck were also hospitalized, but their injuries are not considered life-threatening, Dunn said.

The driver of the other vehicle complained of pain and was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, Dunn said.

All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 were closed at Camino De Estrella, and snarled rush hour traffic produced a backup extending more than 5 miles in both directions by 6 p.m., ABC7 reported.

The names of the truck's driver and passengers have not been released.

— City News Service