Driver of stolen semi surrenders after hours-long pursuit: I 'didn't want to go back to jail'

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A driver who led officers on an hours-long pursuit Tuesday afternoon in Southern California said he did "not want to go back to jail."

According to the Los Angeles Times, the semi truck was stolen in Barstow around 6 a.m.

Deputies spotted the stolen semi around 10:30 a.m. between Barstow and Victorville. The driver refused to stop while switching between I-15, Hwy. 60, I-10 and Hwy. 62.

Several news helicopters tracked the pursuit for several hours.



The trailer may have been carrying hazardous material, according to the Times. KTLA reports the semi-truck had a logo for ACT Enviro, which, according to their website, helps businesses with their “hazardous waste and environmental management needs.”

Around 1:30 p.m., the driver exited the Hwy. 62 and parked the big rig, before getting out and surrendering to officers at the scene. The driver was taken into custody without incident.