Hours-Long Pursuit Ends in Westminster Area

An hours-long pursuit came to end in the Westminster area Sunday when the suspect pulled into a field along the freeway and California Highway Patrol officers were forced to smash the car's windows. 

Aerial footage from NewsChopper 4 showed the suspect weaving in and out of traffic and running multiple red lights and stop signs while trying to elude authorities. 

The pursuit began around 4:45 p.m. after the vehicle was reported stolen to the Costa Mesa Police Department, police said.

The chase lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours and traveled through more than 10 cities. 

Things came to an end shortly before 7 p.m. in the Westminster area when the suspect exited the freeway and ended up on a dead end road, eventually getting stuck in the iceplant. 

CHP officers broke a window, but the threat of a K-9 was enough for the man to surrender to authorities. The dog was not released and did not bite. 

The suspect, Gabriel Rodriguez, 33, was taken into custody. 

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In addition to the stolen vehicle, Rodriguez had an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Orange County. 

He's facing felony evading, resisting arrest, possession of opiates and possession of a stolen vehicle. 

NBC4's Christine Kim contributed to this report. 

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