ANAHEIM, Calif. — The suspect involved in a harrowing police chase that culminated in a tense standoff on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim, California, has passed away.

After shutting down all lanes in both directions, law enforcement approached the suspect’s vehicle, which had been surrounded by two armored vehicles, and removed an individual from the driver’s seat. The police later reported that the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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While eastbound lanes of the freeway were swiftly reopened, it was anticipated that westbound lanes would remain closed for several additional hours.

The pursuit, which originated in Corona, California, ultimately came to a halt on the freeway. The suspect, described as a man in his 40s who was believed to be armed, remained inside a blue sedan for an extended period following the conclusion of the chase. The Anaheim and Corona police departments utilized two armored vehicles to encircle the suspect’s car.

The closure resulted in extensive backups in both directions, inconveniencing Memorial Day travelers who were journeying along the route.

The pursuit had commenced around 8 a.m. subsequent to law enforcement officers locating a stalking suspect near the junction of McKinley Street and Griffin Way, as reported by a Corona police spokesperson to ABC7. Despite police attempts to initiate a stop, the suspect opted to flee, leading to the pursuit’s conclusion on the 91 Freeway near Lakeview Avenue.

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As a consequence of the standoff, westbound traffic was diverted at Imperial Highway, while eastbound drivers were rerouted onto the 55 Freeway. California Highway Patrol officers worked diligently with motorists who found themselves stranded between the traffic diversion and the standoff scene, directing them individually off the freeway.

Amidst the intense law enforcement presence, including three armored vehicles and over a dozen police and CHP cruisers, two nearby schools were placed on lockdown. Anaheim police confirmed that officers were stationed at the campuses and in communication with the school district, assuring parents that they were free to retrieve their children.

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