Driver Leads Police On Slow Speed Pursuit

A man ran stop signs, red lights and drove around with his headlights off as he refused to stop for police during a pursuit Tuesday night.

The man may suffer from mental issues regarding his refusal to stop for police. The man drove erratically and slowed down to about 10 miles per hour a few times during the pursuit. Arrested was Eric Vanantwerp, 42, on suspicion of felony evading an officer and reckless driving. Vanantwerp is being held in lieu of $75,000 bail.

The incident began just after 8:40 p.m.

An officer on patrol reportedly saw Vanantwerp run a red light while driving eastbound at Route 66 at Compromise Line Road, said Lieutenant Joe Ward of Glendora Police.

Officers attempted to pull the driver over, but he refused. The driver went as fast as 50 miles per hour and slowed down excessively at one point. The driver would also pull over to the side of the road, only to drive off again, Ward said.

The driver circled an area around Glendora High School, sticking to Lone Hill Avenue, Route 66 and Palopinto Avenue most of the pursuit.

Police decided to call off the chase minutes later. Officers immediately identified the subject, knowing his possible issues with mental problems.

"The pursuit was terminated, because we had identified him, we knew where he lived and had past contact with him," Ward said.

Almost as soon as the pursuit was called off, the driver approached heavy traffic at Lone Hill and Auto Centre Drive. Officers arrived, blocked him near the intersection and eventually took Vanantwerp into custody without incident, Ward said.

The whole chase lasted less than 10 minutes.

Vanantwerp will be transferred to a county facility and await his arraignment. He may be additionally charged with making criminal threats. Officers went to check on the welfare of the driver's wife and learned about the reported threats made against her, Ward said.

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