Interstate 5 was shutdown about 4:30 a.m. Saturday in both directions for several hours from Harbor Drive in Oceanside, through Camp Pendleton, to Cristianitos Rd in San Clemente due to a police and CHP pursuit that ended in an officer-involved shooting according to Oceanside Police.
The California Highway Patrol said they expected the closure could be in effect possibly till 12 p.m. but most of the lanes in both directions were opened by 10:30 .am. But hundreds of motorists were stuck in the shutdown for several hours.
Buena Park Police in Orange County say officers tried to initiate traffic stop around 2 a.m. and the suspect fled, prompting the pursuit with the CHP then getting involved in the chase. Oceanside police say shots were fired and the suspect was believed to have a handgun and was refusing to surrender. Authorities say the suspect was found hiding in a ditch and was later taken into custody about 8 a.m.
Cal Trans issued a traffic advisory telling drivers to use Interstate 15 as an alternate.
(Photo CalTrans)