Suspect of arson in custody after confrontation, high-speed pursuit ends in Paramount

PARAMOUNT, California (KABC) – A fire suspect was involved in a dramatic confrontation with sheriff’s deputies on Thursday morning after a high-speed chase ended on a residential street in Paramount, authorities said.

The pursuit began shortly before 8 a.m. in Compton and then stopped on San Jose Avenue and Somerset Boulevard, where several patrol vehicles were positioned behind the suspect’s car.

The man was suspected of trying to set fire to his house after receiving an evacuation notice, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

Smoke was seen emanating from the vehicle after it appeared that the deputies fired less lethal rounds. At least one of the car windows was smashed, scattering glass on the street.

The pursuit involving several suspects ends with the PIT maneuver near Norwalk

About 30 minutes away, a small flame was visible inside the vehicle. Deputies approached the passenger side and deployed a fire extinguisher, spraying a large cloud of flame retardant, then withdrew.

The suspect, also wanted on suspicion of throwing a weapon, remained inside the car, but moved into the back seat.

Authorities subsequently summoned three armored vehicles to the scene, which surrounded the driver’s two-door vehicle as the deadlock continued.

Several houses had to be evacuated.

The trial continued for hours before authorities took the suspect into custody around 11 a.m.