News Summary
A stolen big-rig cab triggered a dramatic police chase across Southern California, beginning in Fontana. Officers spotted a mismatched license plate linked to potential kidnapping, leading to a tense pursuit. The driver and passenger had multiple warrants, prompting police to deploy an armored vehicle to safely apprehend them. Community reaction was one of surprise as residents witnessed the chase unfold in their neighborhood, reminding everyone of the unpredictability of local events and the swift response from law enforcement.
Fontana
In an incident that had everyone on the edge of their seats, a stolen big-rig cab sparked a wild police chase across Southern California on Wednesday morning. The high-speed pursuit began around 9:30 a.m. in Fontana when officers saw something off about a vehicle—a mismatched license plate. This wasn’t just any ordinary truck; it was a big rig that was linked to a potential kidnapping.
It All Started With a Traffic Stop
Authorities jumped into action after witnessing the big rig traveling south on the 57 Freeway. Officers initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Palmetto Avenue, but this truck driver had no plans to pull over. When police checked the license plate, they discovered it had been reported stolen from a pickup truck just two days prior in Anaheim. While the big rig itself hadn’t been reported as stolen, the rush of adrenaline was only getting started.
Inside the Truck
As the chase unfolded, police suspected that a possible kidnapping victim was riding shotgun in the cab. The driver was identified as 54-year-old Bill Fayed, who apparently had an outstanding warrant for grand theft auto and was considered armed and dangerous during the pursuit. The passenger, 42-year-old Carlos Richard Mesta, also had some baggage; he had two active warrants against him, one for a whopping $250,000 for grand theft auto and another worth $25,000 for domestic violence. Talk about a sketchy situation!
A Frantic Chase
During the chase, things got even more tense. Reports indicated that Mesta attempted to reach out for help by talking to a pedestrian, and at one point, he managed to grab an object, possibly a cellphone, from a nearby SUV. It’s said he also tried to call 911 to plead his case, indicating he felt he was being held against his will, but his call didn’t last long before it disconnected. This added an extra layer of urgency to an already chaotic scenario.
Heavy-Duty Backup Arrives
The police had to go to the extreme to get this chase under control. An armored vehicle, known as a BearCat, was deployed to assist in blocking the path of the fleeing big rig. Such an approach is typically rare for pursuits. This vehicle ultimately played a pivotal role in bringing the chase to a halt in Buena Park around 11 a.m..
The End of the Road
Once the BearCat succeeded in stopping the big rig’s escape, both Fayed and Mesta exited the vehicle at gunpoint. To everyone’s relief, they surrendered without any further incident. The scene included several unmarked SUVs and officers clad in tactical vests, indicating the serious nature of the operation.
Aftermath and Community Reaction
Following their arrest, both Fayed and Mesta were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluations. Thankfully, they did not appear to have any visible injuries. As for witnesses in the area, many local residents expressed surprise and disbelief as they saw this dramatic scene play out right in their neighborhood. It’s not every day that one gets to witness a police chase, let alone one involving a big rig and potential kidnapping!
With the chase now over, authorities will dig deeper into the details of this wild incident. It’s a reminder of the unexpected events that can unfold in our communities, and a shout-out to the brave officers who responded so quickly to ensure everyone’s safety.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- NBC Los Angeles
- KCRA
- ABC7
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: Police Chase
- Google Search: Southern California big rig police chase
- Google Scholar: Vehicle Pursuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Pursuit
- Google News: Southern California police chase
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
