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Police chasing stolen big rig on 5 Freeway

Big rig pursuit shuts down freeway after truck cab bursts into flames 03:51

Authorities are in pursuit of a suspect driving a stolen big rig on the 5 Freeway in Newhall. 

The pursuit was originally initiated by the Kern County Sheriff's Department on Thursday afternoon. 

 

Firefighters arriving to scene; traffic backs up

Los Angeles County firefighters have arrived at the scene to put out the fire before it spreads.

Traffic has backed up for miles with dozens of vehicles trapped in the gridlock.

Dozens of cars stuck in traffic as authorities handle fire 01:29
By Matthew Rodriguez
 

Truck cab bursts into flames

The semi-cab has caught on fire with acres of dry brush nearby. 

Authorities detained the suspect shortly after he jumped out of the burning vehicle.

Stolen big rig suspect surrenders after semi cab erupts in flames 02:21

The flames quickly engulfed the cab as officers waited for the fire department to arrive. 

By Matthew Rodriguez
 

Slow pursuit continues to crawl through Newhall area

After several successful spike strips by the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the stolen big rig continues to plunge ahead. 

Stolen big rig suspect drives into spike strip 02:55

The front tire of the semi cab has blown off the truck. 

The suspect continues to drive at very slow speeds as he makes his way through the Newhall and Castaic area. 

it also appears that the front tire of the driver's side has also come off the big rig. 

By KCAL News Staff
 

Stolen big rig slowly moves through 5 Freeway in Newhall

The suspect wanted for stealing a big rig in Kern County continues to lead authorities on a slow pursuit through the southbound side of the 5 Freeway.

Slow pursuit causing massive delay for drivers on southbound 5 Freeway in Newhall 02:52

As a result, a long line of cars can be seen on Sky9 driving slowly behind police escorts and the big rig in Newhall. 

As of this moment, it appears that Kern County Sheriffs are pursuing the suspect, who has already avoided several spike strips.

By KCAL News Staff
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