Police Chase Ends in Attempted Suicide on 405 Freeway

A routine traffic stop in Costa Mesa led to a brief police chase that ended when the suspect exited her car and jumped from a 405 Freeway overpass.

The woman, a 33-year-old Costa Mesa resident, jumped from the Bear Street overpass and was struck by a car. Paramedics rushed her to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, and she is listed in critical condition, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

The incident began at 10:47 a.m. Monday. A Costa Mesa motorcycle officer attempted to stop the driver for traffic violations, but she fled, running red lights and driving on the shoulder of the roadway, according to a statement issued by the Costa Mesa Police Department. At the Bear Street overpass, she pulled over, ran to the edge of the overpass and jumped off. She was struck by a vehicle on the freeway, triggering a brief SigAlert.

According to police, the woman was wanted in Los Angeles County on drug charges.

Police have not released the woman’s identity pending notification of her family members.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Sgt. Ed Everett Of the Costa Mesa Police Department’s Investigations Bureau at (714) 754-5395 or Det. David Casarez at (714) 754-5157.