Sparks Flying, San Leandro Man Leads CHP on Chase

OAKLAND, CA — A San Leandro man was arrested early this morning after leading California Highway Patrol officers on a meandering freeway chase that never exceeded the speed limit and eventually ended up on Oakland city streets, according to the CHP.

At about 1:30 a.m., officers spotted a GMC Yukon without license plates heading east on Interstate Highway 580 near state Highway 13 and tried to pull it over.

Terry Nguyen, the 29-year-old driver, failed to stop and instead led officers off the of the freeway, turned around and headed back eastbound on Interstate 580 into Castro Valley and Hayward, according to the CHP.

Nguyen eventually headed north on Interstate Highway 880, where officers were able to deflate the Yukon's tires using a spike strip near the Davis Street exit in San Leandro. Nguyen continued to drive on the metal rims, exiting the freeway at 98th Avenue and heading into the residential areas of East Oakland.

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Soon the vehicle started to catch fire, however, because Nguyen was riding on bare rims, which were throwing up sparks as they rolled over the streets' surface. He finally stopped and surrendered to officers near 106th and Longfellow avenues at about 2:10 a.m., according to the CHP.

Nguyen was arrested on suspicion of felony evasion, possession of methamphetamine, DUI and driving on a suspended license. No injuries were reported, the CHP said.

— Bay City News; Image by CHP