Man who fled hospital in Laguna Hills takes patrol car, leads deputies on freeway pursuit

A man who fled from a Laguna Hills hospital while on a mental health hold was arrested by deputies after he led them on a pursuit in a patrol vehicle that came to a crash ending, authorities said.

It was about 3:45 a.m. when deputies were called by hospital staff saying a man had fled the hospital, said Orange County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Braun.

Deputies found the man, in his 20s, on foot near the on-ramp off El Toro Road about to enter the 5 freeway, Braun said.

While deputies tried to talk to the man, they said, he assaulted them. At some point he accessed their SUV and drove southbound on the freeway, Braun said.

“He got off the freeway in San Juan Capistrano and the pursuit was going on surface streets,” Braun said. “He collided with at least one parked car and a fire hydrant.”

The vehicle became disabled at the crash site, on Calle Resplendor and Paseo Ensenada, and the man was detained.

He had injuries from the crash and the earlier assault and was taken to a hospital. Once he is treated for the injuries and undergoes a mental health evaluation, he’ll be booked in jail for charges including assaulting a peace officer. No deputies were seriously injured, Braun said.

Anyone who witnessed the pursuit events or has information is asked to contact Sheriff’s investigators at 949-425-1900.