LANCASTER, CA — A man suspected of stealing a California Highway Patrol leaped from the vehicle during a high-speed police chase, suffering news camera crews watched from above Tuesday.
The chase began in the Lancaster area at the Golden State (5) Freeway and Hasley Canyon Roadshortly before noon and ended when he man jumped from the cruiser at about 50 mph, according to the CHP.
Authorities did not say how the man was able to make off with the police cruiser.
Find out what's happening in Los Angeleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Officers chased the car to state Route 138, where the man jumped from the vehicle after one of the rear tires went flat due to a spike strip. He struck the back of his head on the road and was immediately fell unconscious, KTLA reported.
Media crews were tracking the chase from above when the man jumped to his death.
Find out what's happening in Los Angeleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The patrol car then crashed into a pole. An officer could be seen performing chest compressions on the suspect after the crash.
SEE ALSO: Only In California: Car Chases Even Hollywood Couldn’t Dream Up
Paramedics were sent to the scene on SR 138 near 90th Street West at about 12:30 p.m., and the man was taken to a hospital, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
KNX News reported from the scene that the man died at the hospital. CHP officials would not immediately confirm the report.
The suspect’s name was not immediately available.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: wests tigers jersey