A Desert Hot Springs man suspected of leading a CHP officer in a hair-raising chase that reached more than 100 mph on surface streets was behind bars Sunday.
The California Highway Patrol officer was treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital and released following the chase and subsequent crash.
Jesus Manuel Sandoval is suspected of driving a Chevrolet Malibu that struck a sport utility vehicle and caught fire, CHP Sgt. Daniel Hesser said.
The chase began at about 4:15 p.m. Saturday when the CHP officer spotted the Malibu traveling at 89 mph on the eastbound Interstate 10 near Indian Canyon Road.
The driver of the mid-size car accelerated to speeds of 100
mph on the freeway when the officer tried catching up with him, Hesser said.
The suspect got off the freeway at the Palm Drive exit and
accelerated until he pulled over to the shoulder.
As the officer approached him, the driver suddenly made a U-turn and headed north on Palm Drive, reaching speeds of about 110 mph, Hesser said.
The suspect blew through a red light at Varner Road and headed east on the two-lane road at about 115 mph before turning north onto the southbound lanes of Mountain View Road, Hesser said.
The Chevy broadsided a Saturn SUV on that road, the sergeant added.
The suspect ran away from the damaged car that soon caught fire and headed into the desert.
A passerby driving an off-road vehicle offered the CHP officer a ride in order to catch up with the fleeing suspect, Hesser said.
The officer used a Taser on the suspect when he refused to comply with orders to hit the ground, Hesser said.
Sandoval, 24, who has a felony warrant out for a domestic violence offense, was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.
He remained in custody on suspicion of evading a peace officer while recklessly driving; driving without a license and speeding.
Sandoval was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail, pending a court appearance Wednesday, jail records showed.
-- City News Service contributed to this report
