Pursuit

Hours-Long Pursuit Ends in Westminster Area

An hours-long pursuit came to end in the Westminster area Sunday when the suspect pulled into a field along the freeway and California Highway Patrol officers were forced to smash the car's windows. 

Aerial footage from NewsChopper 4 showed the suspect weaving in and out of traffic and running multiple red lights and stop signs while trying to elude authorities. 

The pursuit began around 4:45 p.m. after the vehicle was reported stolen to the Costa Mesa Police Department, police said.

The chase lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours and traveled through more than 10 cities. 

Things came to an end shortly before 7 p.m. in the Westminster area when the suspect exited the freeway and ended up on a dead end road, eventually getting stuck in the iceplant. 

CHP officers broke a window, but the threat of a K-9 was enough for the man to surrender to authorities. The dog was not released and did not bite. 

The suspect, Gabriel Rodriguez, 33, was taken into custody. 

In addition to the stolen vehicle, Rodriguez had an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Orange County. 

He's facing felony evading, resisting arrest, possession of opiates and possession of a stolen vehicle. 

NBC4's Christine Kim contributed to this report. 

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