A driver suspected of being under the influence ran red lights during a slow chase Friday that was brought to a halt by spike strips.
At one point during the police pursuit, the Chevrolet Astro van was traveling at 25 mph.
Lt. Andrew Meyer of the sheriff’s Pico Rivera station said it started just after 8 p.m. at Rosemead Boulevard and Gallatin Road in Pico Rivera.
Deputies saw the man driving erratically. Meyer said the van nearly hit three cars and drove up onto the sidewalk.
He said the driver refused to stop when deputies tried to pull over the van. A sheriff’s helicopter later followed the vehicle.
Deputies used spike strips which damaged the van’s back tires, Meyer said. The suspect continued driving for several minutes before he stopped at the Arco gas station at 12525 Hadley St. in Whittier, according to the lieutenant.
Randy Avalos, 31, of Whittier was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and for being a parolee at large.
Because he’s a parolee, Avalos is being held without bail at the sheriff’s Pico Rivera station. Booking records show he will be arraigned Tuesday at Whittier Superior Court.

– Ruby Gonzales