Armed man arrested after pursuit, tense standoff in Corona

CORONA, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - A man reported to match the description of a serial killer linked to seven Arizona deaths was taken into custody today in Corona following a pursuit and subsequent standoff with authorities.

At 12:54 a.m., the California Highway Patrol received reports that Costa Mesa police were pursuing a white Subaru on the San Diego (405) Freeway north of Harbor Boulevard, CHP Officer Dan Olivas told City News Service.

The pursuit also spanned the San Gabriel River (605) and Riverside (91) freeways, news media outlets reported.

The CHP joined in the pursuit, along with other agencies, until a standoff ensued at 2:05 a.m. on the westbound 91 east of South Promenade Avenue, Olivas said.

The driver refused to comply with officers ordering him to surrender, Olivas said.

Authorities shut down the freeway at both ends and summoned SWAT officials from the Corona Police Department, Olivas said.

The standoff ended when suspect, clad in a light blue T-shirt and black shorts, threw down a weapon he had, raised his hands and surrendered to police.

Officials initially received a report that the suspect matched a description of a serial killer authorities in Arizona were seeking, and the CHP was contacting Phoenix police in the matter, Olivas said.

However, Phoenix Police Sgt. Jonathan Howard said early Thursday that his department believes the California suspect is not connected to the Arizona shooting spree.

The freeway reopened shortly before 5 a.m.

Copyright 2016 FOX 11 Los Angeles : Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube . Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.