Crime & Safety

Woman Who Leads Police on Chase Likely Took Own Life

The despondent woman led authorities from Dana Point out toward the San Diego County line.

An apparently despondent woman led authorities on a road chase today from southern Orange County to the San Onofre area, where she crashed the car she was driving and died of what appeared to be a self- inflicted gunshot wound.

Deputies were looking for the reportedly suicidal woman at the behest of concerned relatives when they found her sitting inside her parked vehicle at a Dana Point beach about 12:30 p.m., according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Seeing the arriving law officers, she sped off and refused to yield, soon entering southbound Interstate 5, Lt. Jeff Hallock said.

Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Shortly after crossing into San Diego County, the fleeing driver's car careened off the side of the freeway and crashed to a halt. She was then found dead inside, apparently having shot herself before or after the solo wreck, according to Hallock.

The woman's name was withheld pending family notification.

Find out what's happening in Aliso Viejowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

-- City News Service


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