Man Claims to Be Mercedes Pursuit Car Owner

A man who claims to be the owner of a Mercedes that was driven by someone else during a pursuit and standoff on the 91 Freeway Thursday said he was shocked to see his car engaged in that chase on TV.

Mohamad Sukkar got news from a friend that his car was engaged in a pursuit. After he turned on his TV, Sukkar was certain the Mercedes involved in the pursuit was his based on the rims, tinted windows, and paper plates.

"I was like holy ... that's my car," Sukkar said.

"I wasn't watching TV. I was coming back from work and my friend calls me and he's like, 'dude I found your car' and I was like 'what are you talking about' you know," he said.

Sukkar said someone rented the car from him who was not the person involved in the pursuit.

The pursuit and standoff left the 91 Freeway snarled in traffic for hours between Anaheim and Corona, leaving thousands of drivers stranded.

Authorities said John Lopez, 25, was arrested on felony evasion charges.

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Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies said there are two investigations: whether the car was stolen and whether the man arrested was connected to an attempted murder a few days prior in Compton.

Sukkar said he isn't ready to get the Mercedes back and doesn't want to get it repaired.

"I'm trying to write it off as a total loss 'cause I don't want to drive in that car again," he said.

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