Pursuit Standoff on 91 Freeway in Anaheim Hills Brings City to Standstill
Anaheim Hills, CA – The 91 Freeway in Anaheim Hills was brought to a standstill on Thursday afternoon after a pursuit standoff involving multiple law enforcement agencies and a suspect vehicle. The incident began at approximately 2:30 PM when the California Highway Patrol (CHP) attempted to pull over a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver of the vehicle refused to yield and led officers on a high-speed chase that lasted for approximately 20 minutes.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Standoff
The pursuit came to an end when the suspect vehicle became disabled on the side of the freeway near the Weir Canyon Road exit. The driver then exited the vehicle and brandished a weapon, prompting officers to take cover. A large law enforcement presence, including officers from the CHP, Anaheim Police Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department, quickly arrived on the scene and established a perimeter around the suspect.
Negotiations and Surrender
Negotiators from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department made contact with the suspect and began negotiations to end the standoff. After several hours of talks, the suspect agreed to surrender and was taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Traffic Impact
The pursuit and standoff caused significant traffic delays on the 91 Freeway in both directions. The freeway was closed for several hours while law enforcement conducted their investigation and cleared the scene. Traffic was diverted to surface streets, causing delays in the surrounding area.
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. The suspect has been identified as a 27-year-old male from Anaheim. He is facing charges of felony evading, brandishing a weapon, and resisting arrest. The motive for the pursuit is still under investigation.
Law Enforcement Response
The Anaheim Police Department commended the efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in the incident. “This was a dangerous situation that could have ended tragically,” said Anaheim Police Chief John Welter. “The officers involved showed great professionalism and restraint in resolving the situation peacefully.”
