SAN DIEGO -- A home invasion robbery suspect Tuesday led authorities on a high-speed chase from Orange County to Rancho Penasquitos, where he tried to commandeer other cars before a police dog put an end to his flight, 10News reported.
The chase, which began in the Irvine area, entered northern San Diego County on Interstate 5 around noon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fleeing man, identified as Jerry Lee Franklin, (pictured, right) was armed with a pellet gun and led sheriff's deputies through Camp Pendleton and into Oceanside at speeds up to 130 mph before entering eastbound state Route 78, 10News reported.
In the San Marcos area, the ground units pulled back from the pursuit due to weather and traffic conditions, letting sheriff's helicopter crews take over, the CHP reported.
Franklin then sped the stolen silver Toyota Avalon onto southbound I-15 and continued on through Escondido and Rancho Bernardo.
A few miles to the south, he exited the freeway at Ted Williams Parkway and drove into a residential area near Via San Marco, where he ditched the car and a handgun, 10News reported.
With KGTV's helicopter broadcasting live shots of him, Franklin proceeded to stroll onto the freeway with his hand held up to oncoming traffic, bringing it to a halt.
He then approached several vehicles, gesturing with his hands. The motorists sped off, one after another.
At that point, Franklin walked into a grassy median, with police following him, their guns drawn.
One of the officers finally ended the chase by releasing a police dog, which pulled the man to the ground and allowed them to handcuff him.
Meanwhile, authorities believe Franklin left the stolen car in front of an acquaintance's apartment.
A witness told 10News a woman came out of the apartment and began rifling through the car.
"She came out with a flashlight and she dropped to her knees and was looking for stuff underneath the seats. She was trying to pull out anything that was incriminating in the car, I guess," witness Christopher Zang said.
Franklin is on parole for a drug crime, according to 10News.
Irvine police are asking the public for help in determining exactly what happened. If you witnessed the chase, police ask that you
contact them immediately.
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