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'Agitated' Driver Leads CHP on Pursuit from Ventura County to Hollywood [UPDATED]
A high-speed pursuit that began this morning in Ventura County is now in Los Angeles County, and moving into the San Fernando Valley on the southbound 101 Freeway.
Just after 8 a.m. today the California Highway Patrol spotted the vehicle moving erratically, and officers attempted to initiate a "failure to yield" traffic stop, according to a live broadcast on KTLA. The driver did not stop, and the CHP began a pursuit.
The driver is described as "agitated," and appears to be accompanied by at least one other person in the vehicle. He has been seen making wild gestures at other drivers.
Ahead in traffic are slow conditions as the 101 becomes the 134 and the 134 at the 5 Freeway, should he continue in that direction.
8:56 AM
The driver pulled over near the Vine Street offramp. At least four CHP vehicles surrounded the rear of the Mercedes, and the driver was coaxed out of the car, arms up. The passenger also exited the vehicle. Both appear to be complying with the officers' commands, and have been taken into custody. The driver was male, the passenger female.
8:52 AM
The chase, which was clocking speeds over 100 mph in Ventura County, continues at moderate speed in morning commute traffic. Multiple CHP officers in patrol cars are behind the black Mercedes Benz. Lighter traffic between the Hollywood Bowl and the Hollywood Boulevard exit means the driver can increase his speed.
8:46 AM
The driver has selected the 101 Freeway towards the Cahuenga Pass, which is a roadway with heavy traffic ahead.
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8:40 AM
The chase is now approaching Studio City on the 101, but speeds are greatly decreased due to traffic congestion. Because there are so many vehicles on the road, the CHP are limited in what aggressive measures they can take to stop the driver.
8:33 AM
The driver is continuing to move south on the 101 in Sherman Oaks despite slowed traffic at the 405 junction. He appears to be driving with the sunroof open on his vehicle. The driver is constantly changing lanes.
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