Wrong-way freeway chase suspect allegedly drove with toddler on lap

A 30-year-old man was arrested in Pleasanton on Saturday after allegedly fleeing from authorities with a toddler on his lap and driving the wrong way on the highway during a pursuit that started in Fremont, police said.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was arrested on suspicion of felony evasion, driving under the influence and felony child endangerment, according to Fremont police.

The incident began around 11:30 a.m. when police learned about a hit-and-run in Newark. The suspect was last seen traveling about 80 mph on Cherry Street in Newark toward Auto Mall Parkway in Fremont, police said.

Within about five minutes, multiple 911 calls came in about the suspect speeding on various streets in Fremont and driving recklessly and on the wrong side of the road. At least three victims also reported having their vehicles hit by the suspect, according to police.

Officers responded and tried to pull over the vehicle as it passed Stevenson Place but the suspect refused to yield, prompting a brief pursuit.

The pursuit was terminated though when officers were unable to keep up with the speeding vehicle, which entered Interstate Highway 680 driving north in the southbound lanes, police said.

California Highway Patrol officers eventually stopped the suspect in Pleasanton and arrested him. Investigators later discovered the man had a 2-year-old child on his lap as he drove.

The CHP is investigating the evasion, DUI and child endangerment allegations while Fremont police is handling the hit-and-run investigations.

Neither department was immediately available to provide the name of the suspect.

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