California car chase suspect releases dogs onto the highway

LONG BEACH, Calif., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- It was PIT maneuvers and pit bulls for the California Highway Patrol when a highway chase ended with a motorist releasing dogs onto the highway.

The California Highway Patrol said troopers attempted to pull over a car seen driving on the right shoulder of the 710 Freeway about 9:25 p.m. Monday in Long Beach.

The car sped off when troopers attempted to pull it over and a chase ensued that required the use of two PIT maneuvers, a driving technique used to end police chases, Officer Alex Rubio said.

The driver, a woman whose name was not released, remained in her vehicle for several minutes before opening the door, releasing three dogs from the vehicle.

Police said both sides of the freeway were kept closed while troopers rounded up the wayward pups. Authorities said there were three other dogs in the car that did not flee.

The woman, who emerged from the car barefoot and smoking a cigarette, was taken into custody.

The dogs were rounded up and the freeway was reopened by 10:15 p.m.