A man was arrested after leading California Highway Patrol officers on a dangerous pursuit through Orange County that ended with him ramming patrol vehicles and fighting officers on the 405 Freeway. Police chases like this one put everyone at risk, not just the suspect. Bystanders and other motorists can be seriously injured when pursuits turn violent.
What Happened on the 405 Freeway
On April 9, 2026, a man driving an older model Honda Accord led CHP officers on an erratic chase through Orange County. He was initially wanted for driving through a traffic break and failing to yield.
After hitting the 405 Freeway, he stopped near the Studebaker Road exit. He got out and appeared to yell at armed officers who told him to surrender. Then he got back in his car and drove away.
Things escalated quickly after that. He eventually drove over a spike strip in the Seal Beach area. After the driver’s side tire was shredded, he made a sudden U-turn and drove on the wrong side of the road before ramming into oncoming CHP vehicles.
When he finally stepped out, he walked directly toward an officer and began fighting him. At least six officers swarmed and tackled him to the ground. They eventually subdued him. You can read more about the incident in KTLA’s coverage of the chase.
The Danger to Innocent People
When a fleeing driver is going the wrong way on a freeway, the potential for catastrophic collisions is significant. Innocent people get hurt in pursuits through:
- Direct collisions with the fleeing vehicle
- Crashes caused by officers pursuing at high speed
- Secondary accidents from drivers reacting to the chaos
- Debris from vehicle collisions
Goldberg Injury Lawyers represents people injured in pursuit-related accidents throughout Southern California. Attorney Barry P. Goldberg has practiced personal injury law since 1984 and has been named to the Super Lawyers Top 100 in Southern California for ten consecutive years.
Who Is Liable When a Chase Causes Injuries
Determining fault after a pursuit accident isn’t straightforward. Multiple parties could share responsibility depending on the circumstances.
An Orange County, CA police pursuit accident lawyer can investigate and identify all potentially liable parties. These might include the fleeing driver, the law enforcement agency, or even the city or county employing the officers.
California Vehicle Code Section 17004 gives officers some immunity for injuries during pursuits. But it’s not absolute. If officers violated department policy or showed reckless disregard for public safety, the agency may still face liability.
Filing Deadlines Matter
Claims against government entities have strict rules. The California Government Claims Act requires you to file an administrative claim within six months of the incident. Miss that deadline and you could lose your right to compensation permanently.
For personal injury and wrongful death claims, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 sets a two-year statute of limitations. A police pursuit accident lawyer can help you meet these deadlines.
Contact an Attorney
If you or someone you love was injured in a police pursuit accident, you have legal options worth exploring. Reach out to Goldberg Injury Lawyers to discuss your situation.
