Officers chased a pickup driver on freeways and streets near downtown Los Angeles Friday afternoon in a pursuit that began with violent carjacking in Fontana.
The chase started about 50 miles east of LA in San Bernardino County and headed west on the 10 Freeway through the San Gabriel Valley and into Los Angeles. The driver, who frequently waved and gestured out the extended cab Chevy’s window, was wanted in a midday carjacking.
Ronald Knesil told NBCLA that his pickup was stolen by a man who asked for a ride, then grabbed his keys and got in the pickup outside a restaurant in Fontana. Knesil said he struggled with the man, but lost his footing and could only watch as his truck sped away.
“The rest is history,” Knesil said. “They’re chasing him down.”
Knesil suffered cuts on his arms, but no serious injuries, he said.
“My pride and my dignity are hurt,” he said. “I just couldn’t get ahold of him. I’m just hoping to get my truck back in one piece.”
The driver exited the freeway in downtown LA and continued south into Vernon, Commerce and other southern LA County communities. The driver stopped several times, appeared to wave his hands out the window, then continued driving.
The pickup was sent into a spin when an officer attempted a PIT maneuver, but the driver backed up and the chase continued. The altercation with the patrol cruiser left a large dent in the side of the truck.
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