A brazen driver who led law enforcement on a pursuit was only able to be stopped after officials performed several PIT maneuvers on the suspect vehicle. This video was broadcast on the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.
Lanes on the 15 Freeway were closed between Los Angeles and Las Vegas for several hours after a pursuit involving a person wanted in an armed robbery ended Monday night in the Cajon Pass.
It took several PIT maneuvers to stop the high-speed driver during a roughly 90-minute car chase throughout the Inland Empire. The driver wanted in connection with an armed robbery led law enforcement on a pursuit from Hesperia to near Lake Arrowhead, traveling at speeds of up to 120 mph on the 15 Freeway.
Evading at least six patrol units, the driver zoomed through the freeway lanes in a desperate attempt to fend off authorities.
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At about 10 p.m., the first PIT maneuver was performed on the vehicle, stalling it for a few minutes before the tenacious driver attempted to speed off again. It took at least two more tries for deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department to stop the driver.
Ultimately, the driver came to a complete halt after a deputy rear-ended the vehicle and another deputy blocked them in. The vehicle finally stopped on the northbound 15 Freeway near the 138. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed shots were fired during the confrontation.
Police Chases
Video from Southern California's police pursuits and follow-ups on what happened after the chase
"A lethal force encounter occurred. Nothing further," the department said in a statement.
The pursuit driver was hospitalized, but details about a condition were not immediately available.
It is unclear if any of the law enforcement officials who performed the PIT maneuvers were hurt.
At least one northbound lane remained closed near Highway 138 early Tuesday. All lanes reopened by the afternoon.
Details about the armed robbery that led to the chase were not available.
