Suspect dies after jumping off a stolen CHP cruiser during a high-speed chase through Antelope Valley

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC)– A suspect stole a CHP cruiser and led police on a high-speed chase through Antelope Valley before fatally jumping from the moving vehicle onto Freeway 138.

After jumping out of the cruiser at 45 miles per hour, the suspect hit his head on the roadway and was immediately unresponsive. Officers pulled him off the roadway and began seeing a doctor.

A CHP spokesman later confirmed the suspect was pronounced dead after being transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center.

The incident began with a collision in the Santa Clarita area. Officials say when a CHP officer responded to the scene, the suspect was somehow able to jump into his running cruiser and take off with it.

At one point, officials said the suspect also had a shotgun and assault rifle drawn. The suspect is said to have mental problems.

He fled north on the 5 Freeway at nearly 100 miles per hour, eventually merging onto the 138 eastbound.

A short time later, while the vehicle was still traveling at about 45 miles per hour, the suspect opened the driver’s door and jumped out. His head hit the pavement hard and he didn’t move as officers approached. The cruiser then crashed into roadside power poles.

The officials moved in immediately and first dragged him off the road before they gave him medical care.

A CHP spokesman later explained they dragged him away because the wires from the damaged power poles were arching and they feared the poles and electrified lines could fall onto the road.

Officers were later seen performing CPR on him on the pavement before paramedics arrived.

The suspect’s name was not released.