Caught On Cellphone Video: Deputies Chase Naked, Handcuffed Inmate Down 5 Freeway
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — It was a different kind of chase on the 5 Freeway Wednesday.
The man deputies were chasing didn't have a vehicle -- or pants.
A man being taken to jail somehow escaped while he was in handcuffs near San Fernando.
He made a break for freedom, somehow getting his arms under his legs in the back of a patrol vehicle.
A witness captured the bizarre pursuit on his cellphone video.
Authorities said the man was able to kick out a window of the vehicle and made a run for it -- naked.
It happened during the morning commute. Cars had to come to a complete halt and brake suddenly as the naked man weaved in and out of traffic.
"All of a sudden, everybody starts slowing down, slamming their brakes. And then I see a naked guy, "said the man who shot the cellphone video. "And I see two police officers following him. It was insane. Everyone just starts slamming their brakes."
The inmate was being transferred from Santa Clarita downtown to a mental facility.
The witness said the man crawled up into the wheel well of a big rig trying to escape capture but police were able to pull him out.
No one was hurt, officials said.