The driver of a stolen CHP car died after jumping from the vehicle as it was speeding on a two-lane road during a pursuit north of Los Angeles. The driver jumped out on West Avenue D near Lancaster and landed in the middle of the road. The car was traveling at an estimated 45- 50 mph when the driver jumped.
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Officer Alec Pereyda, a CHP spokesman, said CHP officers provided “life-saving measures” for the driver’s “major injuries.” He was rushed to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Pereyda said CHP officers from the Newhall area received calls around 11:38 a.m. about a reckless driver on the northbound 5 Freeway at Hasley Canyon Road. They then got calls that the driver had crashed on the freeway. One other vehicle was involved in that wreck, Pereyda said, adding that he could not confirm if anyone in that vehicle was hurt. A CHP officer arrived to investigate. During the investigation, the driver hopped into the patrol vehicle and took off.
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There were no reports of an officer being injured, according to the CHP. According to CHP, patrol cars are supposed to be locked with the engine running. Several assault type weapons were locked in the patrol car, and the suspect did not gain access to them, CHP stated.
The deceased suspect’s identity has not been released.