Police Chase 'Reckless' Driver Down Ortega

A 34-year-old Dana Point man who allegedly led police on a chase down Ortega Highway on Monday afternoon is being booked into jail on suspicion of evading arrest, authorities said.

After Orange County Sheriff's deputies caught up with Matthew Timothy Williams in Ladera Ranch, they reportedly found what might be stolen credit cards and IDs in his 1995 red Saturn.

The pursuit started at about 1 p.m. when two deputies spotted the Saturn driving "recklessly" on Ortega Highway near the 5 freeway. They attempted to catch up to the car, but the driver accelerated east on Ortega "in an attempt to evade the deputies," Lt. John Meyer said.

Deputies chased the vehicle as it headed north on Antonio Parkway. When the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Avendale in Ladera Ranch, he reportedly lost control and crashed into a stationary pillar on the curb at that intersection.

The suspect got out of the car and allegedly fled on foot. Deputies chased him down a steep slope and into an apartment complex a short distance away.  

The driver, identified as Williams, also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, authorities said.