The driver of a minivan who lead police on a dangerous pursuit on the I-5 Freeway made an emotional surrender as he pounded his fists on the pavement upon his apprehension. Patrick Healy reports for the NBC4 News at 6 on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016.
A minivan driver was overwhelmed with emotions when it became clear that leading California Highway Patrol officers on a pursuit at speeds of 100 mph and taunting them would end in his arrest.
The chase began Wednesday morning after authorities received a call about a wrong-way driver in the Fort Tejon area, just north of Gorman, the CHP said.
The driver took off, avoiding two spike strip attempts by officers, and made his way south on the 5 Freeway.
When the van's front left tire blew out, the driver began to hit the dashboard. He pulled over, got out of the van, fell to his knees and slammed his hands on the pavement.
He was taken into custody without incident and appeared distraught as he was led to a patrol car.
The CHP identified him as Roman Kholovtaev, 23, of Canoga Park. Officers saw indications he was under the influence of an unidentified drug, according to Officer Adrian Garcia of the CHP Fort Tejon office. He said Kholovtaev was transported to a Kern County hospital for evaluation, and was expected to be booked on drug charges and evading.
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Neighbors at the Canoga Park apartment where Kholovtaev stayed with his parents said they had seen no indication of a problem.
"I've never seen them have any issues here before," said Ruby Vasequez.
