A driver believed to be connected to a deadly Pomona shooting that left one person dead and at least two others wounded was taken into custody Thursday evening after leading California Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed pursuit from the Castaic area to Lancaster, where authorities used a spike strip and a PIT maneuver to bring the chase to an end.
Background
The pursuit began hours after gunfire erupted around 3:30 p.m. near Monterey and Garey avenues in Pomona, according to the California Highway Patrol. Police said one person was killed in the shooting, while CBS News reported that at least two others were wounded. The conditions of the surviving victims were not immediately known.
The suspect was believed to be driving a black Kia wanted by the Pomona Police Department in connection with the shooting investigation. CHP officers later spotted a vehicle matching the description near Castaic Lake and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over, sparking the lengthy pursuit through Southern California.
The Investigation
The chase reached speeds of up to 85 mph on the northbound 5 Freeway near Castaic and Smokey Bear Road as multiple CHP units pursued the suspect vehicle. At one point, the driver exited the freeway and continued onto surface streets in the Castaic area before heading north on Lake Hughes Road through the Newhall area.
During the pursuit, aerial footage captured the driver briefly leaving the roadway and throwing several objects from the vehicle. Around 6:15 p.m., the chase continued through remote areas along Lake Hughes Road before entering Lancaster roughly 30 minutes later, with multiple CHP units closely following throughout.
The Chase Ends
Just after 7 p.m., officers deployed a spike strip on West Avenue K in Lancaster, damaging at least two of the Kia's tires and dramatically slowing the vehicle. With the suspect running out of options, CHP officers then executed a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver near 20th Street West and West Avenue K, forcing the vehicle to a stop.
Video from the scene showed the driver stepping out of the Kia and surrendering as officers approached with weapons drawn. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident, according to CHP officials who spoke with The California Post.
Key Takeaways
- One person was killed and at least two others wounded in the Pomona shooting near Monterey and Garey avenues around 3:30 p.m.
- The black Kia driver fled from Castaic Lake through remote areas along Lake Hughes Road before entering Lancaster, reaching speeds of 85 mph on the 5 Freeway
- Officers deployed a spike strip on West Avenue K, damaging two tires, followed by a PIT maneuver near 20th Street West to stop the vehicle
- The suspect surrendered without further incident and was taken into custody for questioning in connection with the deadly shooting
What's Next
Pomona Police Department investigators are expected to continue building their case against the suspect as details emerge from the shooting investigation. Additional information regarding possible charges had not been released by authorities as of late Thursday evening. CHP officials indicated they are coordinating closely with Pomona PD as the investigation into the deadly shooting remains active.