The man was arrested and booked on DUI and firearms charges.
A 35-year-old man led Malibu Sheriff’s deputies on a six-minute pursuit on Pacific Coast Highway earlier today that ended when a second spike strip flattened all four tires of the vehicle he was driving, according to a press release from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.
Juan Quijas was arrested and booked on charges of driving under the influence, evading police, being a convicted felon in possession of an unregistered firearm, and for possession of hashish.
The pursuit began at 11:05 AM near Paradise Cove, eastbound Pacific Coast Highway, and ended near the Pepperdine University campus. Quijas, who was driving a 2001 Honda Civic, veered into on-coming traffic and nearly hit numerous parked cars as he reached speeds up to 50 mph along Pacific Coast Highway, according to the release.
Although Quijas stopped for some traffic signals, he did not respond to the flashing lights and sirens of the deputy’s patrol cars as he continued to drive in an erratic and dangerous manner, the release stated. Quijas eluded the first attempt by deputies as they laid down a spike strip, but he failed to negotiate a second spike strip, which flattened all four tires on his vehicle.
Quijas pulled over and surrendered to the pursuing deputies at the intersection of John Tyler Drive and Pacific Coast Highway.
Deputies discovered a handgun, drugs, and what they first thought to be stolen items in the car he was driving. The suspected stolen items later turned out to be personal property of a friend of Quijas who lives in the Malibu area.
Sheriff’s deputies stated in a report that he seemed dazed and under the influence of a controlled substance as he staggered out of the car and into the custody of the pursuing deputies. Following medical observation at a nearby hospital, he was booked at Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’ Station.
Bail has not yet been set as the booking process is still in progress.
—Laura Tate