Kidnapping Suspect Sought After Hummer Pursuit, Standoff

The search continued Tuesday for the driver of a Hummer who authorities say kidnapped his girlfriend and two sons in Newport Beach. The man escaped authorities on foot after an hourslong pursuit and standoff that involved shots being fired.

Updated Article: Hillside Searched in Pursuit Manhunt

The driver of a Hummer, with a pair handcuffs hanging on his rear-view mirror, led authorities on a hourslong pursuit with his two sons and girlfriend in the truck across Orange County.

Police were still searching for the man Tuesday. He is believed to still be in a containment area set up by officers, police said.

The California Highway Patrol said the pursuit began when the man allegedly kidnapped his girlfriend and their two boys, ages 1 and 5, before 5 p.m. in Huntington Park. The chase began at Artesia and Beach Boulevards.

Early in the chase, the driver weaved through several Orange County cities, at times taking risks like driving on the wrong side of the street. The driver was obeying red lights and stop signs as the Hummer traveled slowly in Newport Beach.

The pursuit ended in a standoff that began at 7 p.m. when the Hummer's battery gave out. The driver would exit and re-enter the Hummer while holding the 1-year-old as a human shield in the standoff with police.

The girlfriend in the Hummer was communicating with Huntington Park authorities, but it wasn't clear why the man was not negotiating.

Police blocked off Dover Drive in all directions from Pacific Coast Highway to 16th Street during the standoff. One of the boys in the Hummer would repeatedly poke his head out of the sunroof.

No one from law enforcement would approach the Hummer amid the standoff because they believed he was armed. The standoff ended when the driver freed his girlfriend and boys, and ran uphill into bushes on the side of Dover Drive.

Shots were fired, but it wasn't clear if the suspect or officers used their weapons. The woman and children were released and unharmed.

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