An alleged intoxicated man led the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on a pursuit that ended in an injury crash on the 5 Freeway in Santa Clarita Monday.

Around 8:40 a.m. Monday, the CHP Bakersfield Communications Center was advised that a gray Audi sedan was stolen at a gas station in Mettler, CA, which is south of Bakersfield, Officer Andre Ortiz, spokesperson for the CHP Newhall Area Office said.

“Uninvolved motorists spotted the Audi and reported the driver… was driving recklessly southbound I-5, south of Laval Road (in Arvin, CA),” Ortiz said.

A Newhall CHP Area Officer located the Audi traveling southbound on the 5 Freeway near Templin Highway and requested additional officers to respond before conducting a traffic stop, according to officials.

An additional officer arrived, and an enforcement stop was initiated near Parker Road. Ortiz said.

The suspect failed to yield, and a pursuit was initiated.

While evading the CHP, the suspect crashed into a gray Subaru SUV just north of the 14 Freeway, which ultimately terminated the pursuit.  

Sam Smith, 26, a transient, was taken into custody without further incident at approximately 9:55 a.m., according to Ortiz.

“Smith and one party from the Subaru were transported to a local hospital as a precaution.” 

Smith was charged with taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, reckless evading, evading and causing bodily injury to any person, and felony DUI causing injury.

This incident remains under investigation by the CHP.

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