PASADENA (CNS) - A work truck being chased by officers slammed broadside into the driver's side of an SUV at an intersection in Pasadena this afternoon, prompting firefighters to use cutting tools to rescue the victim.
It's unclear when the chase began, but broadcast stations picked up the pursuit about 4:35 p.m. as the man driving the truck tore through the Commerce area.
The crash that brought the chase to an end happened about 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Holly Street.
The driver of the truck got out and was taken into custody by officers, at least one of whom held the man at gunpoint until backup arrived.
Firefighters then set about cutting open the SUV to free its driver.
The truck driver was wanted for reckless driving and the chase began in Bell Gardens, according to broadcast reports.
During the chase, the suspect drove at high speeds during rush hour traffic on sometimes congested streets and freeways in northeast Los Angeles, Alhambra, South Pasadena and Pasadena, at times taking to the wrong side of the road and blowing through red lights and stop signs.
Before crashing, the truck clipped the rear of a gray sedan in a minor collision and a pursuing police cruiser was seen rear-ending a civilian vehicle.