Armed Suspect Leads Authorities on High Speed Pursuit

A man involved in a fatal hit-and-run traffic accident in Ventura County at around 10:45 a.m. was taken into custody an hour later following a dramatic high speed chase that snaked its way through Santa Barbara and ended near the El Capitan State Beach exit on Highway 101.

According to the CHP’s traffic incident Web site and scanner chatter, the man was armed and was witnessed throwing drugs out of his car as he eluded authorities. Spike strips were first deployed on northbound Highway 101 at Santa Claus Lane, but were ineffective.

The suspect led law enforcement personnel on a short foot pursuit before he was captured. It’s not clear at this time, but it appears there may have been an injury accident when he was stopped. A CHP officer is reportedly hurt.

A CHP spokesperson was not immediately available for comment, but more information will be provided as soon as it’s available.