A driver in a stolen box truck led authorities on a freeway pursuit in Los Angeles County Monday morning before bailing out on foot and hiding in a nearby neighborhood.
Driving between 70 and 80 mph, the driver weaved in and out of lanes on the southbound 5 Freeway just after 9:30 a.m.
"Speed is always a concern, especially with higher profile vehicles like this," said California Highway Patrol Officer Juan Galvan.
The pursuit started on the 5 Freeway at Hasley Canyon in Santa Clarita. The box truck was reported stolen more than 150 miles away, near central California, according to the Los Angeles County Sherrif's Department.
Deputies requested officers from CHP take over the pursuit as the driver continued southbound on the 5 Freeway passing through several cities.
Traffic appeared light for several miles on the roadway as the truck wobbled from side-to-side, switched lanes and dodged other motorists on the freeway.
What made the pursuit even more dangerous was that the truck was carrying untreated diesel fuel, officers said.
When the driver faced heavier traffic near East Los Angeles, he drove the truck onto the shoulder of the freeway and crashed into cement freeway barriers.
He then fled on foot and attempted to hide between trash cans before police took him into custody without incident.
The driver was identified as 27-year-old Jose Ramirez of Pacoima. He faces charges of evading police and possession of a stolen vehicle.
