LOS ANGELES — Two convicted felons are in custody after a dramatic police chase involving a stolen big rig cab that stretched across Southern California on Wednesday.
The chase began around 9:30 a.m. in Fontana when an officer noticed the semi’s license plate did not match the vehicle. When police attempted to stop the truck, the driver fled, heading south on the 57 Freeway into Orange County.
Over the next hour and a half, the big rig zigzagged through multiple freeways and surface streets, including the 91 Freeway near Anaheim Boulevard, Knott Avenue in Buena Park, and northbound on the 5 Freeway in West Anaheim.
Police deployed an armored vehicle in an attempt to perform a PIT maneuver, but the driver evaded the move and continued through Buena Park.
Just after 11 a.m., officers boxed in the truck near Beach Boulevard and Franklin Street, forcing it to a stop. The driver and passenger then exited and surrendered.
The suspects were identified as 54-year-old Bill Fayed from Buena Park and 42-year-old Carlos Mesta from Rancho Cucamonga. Both have felony convictions and are currently held at the West Valley Detention Center.
The Fontana Police Department reported the stolen license plate had been taken from another truck owned by Ryder Logistics in Anaheim just two days prior.
During the chase, police received a call from a woman claiming her father was being held inside the truck against his will. The passenger allegedly told her that the driver was not allowing him to leave. Due to this potential kidnapping threat, officers decided to maintain control of the pursuit rather than handing it off to the Highway Patrol.
Charges against the suspects include felony evading, grand theft auto, and possession of stolen property.
