Suspect Rams Into Mexican Police After 117-Mile Chase

COSTA MESA —  A man wanted here on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon led police on a 117-mile chase that ended Saturday after he rammed his car into a truck full of Mexican police officers near Ensenada, authorities said.

Arturo Ambriz Bermudez, 25, was arrested in Mexico on suspicion of assaulting Mexican police and crossing the border illegally, Costa Mesa police said.

Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Dave Anderson did not know when Bermudez would be returned to Orange County to face charges.

The pursuit began about 11:30 p.m. Friday when Costa Mesa officers were called to the 2000 block of Wallace Street where Bermudez and two other suspects, armed with bottles, an anti-theft device called the Club, a crowbar and other items, attacked three men.

“Apparently, both the parties got into a verbal dispute about loud music being played outside the carport area of the apartment complex,” Anderson said.

The victims were treated for cuts and bruises.

Officers arrested Bermudez’s brother, Manuel Bermudez, 34, and Becerrill Landeros, 26, on suspicion of assault. They were being held at Costa Mesa City Jail on Saturday evening.

During the arrests, Arturo Bermudez reportedly sped off in a Volkswagen, nearly hitting an officer.

According to reports, Arturo Bermudez drove with police and California Highway Patrol officers in pursuit, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, on the Costa Mesa and San Diego freeways.

CHP officers tried to stop the car by laying a strip of spikes across the freeway, but the effort failed. Bermudez crossed the border at Tijuana and--pursued by Mexican police--headed for Ensenada. His car rammed a pickup truck full of Mexican police along Libre Highway, and he was arrested.

It was not clear if Bermudez was hurt in the crash.