Man Found Hiding in Water Tank After Traffic Stop Meth Bust, Manhunt

A traffic stop turned into an hourslong manhunt near the 5 Freeway north of LA that led deputies to a mobile home park's water tank

Deputies found 88 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon that turned into a foot chase and manhunt after the driver escaped from a patrol vehicle when he kicked out its windows on a freeway north of Los Angeles.

The subject was re-captured after an hours-long search in the valleys and ravines off the 5 Freeway near Templin Highway, about 20 miles north of Santa Clarita. A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department helicopter, more than 20 deputies and a search dog joined the manhunt.

The subject escaped the rear seat of the sheriff's department vehicle and ran across the freeway.

At about 8 p.m., authorities received a report that the subject was seen walking in the area. He was taken into custody about two hours later near Paradise Ranch Mobile Home Park inside of an empty water tank, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department.

The mobile home park (map) is just east of the freeway.

The man, whose name was not released, was booked on suspicion of drug-related charges, according to the sheriff's department.

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