DUI Suspect Wearing Santa Hat Arrested Following Pursuit

Updated at 6:40 p.m.

A pursuit that began on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu ended with the arrest of a DUI suspect, who was wearing a Santa hat, in Ventura County Tuesday.

The pursuit began at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday near Corral Beach in Malibu when reports came in of a driver, wearing a Santa hat, driving erratically, according to Lt. Robert Wiard from the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff's Station.

During the chase, the suspect swerved onto the wrong side of the road at times, according to Wiard.

The chase ended just before 2 p.m. when the suspect pulled over near PCH and Las Posas Road, he said.

As he exited his vehicle, he refused to obey deputies' verbal commands, and he was struck with bean bag-type rounds, Wiard said.

"The suspect advanced toward deputies, while refusing to comply with the deputies’ orders," he said. "The suspect closed the distance between the deputies, forcing them into a physical confrontation. During the struggle with the suspect, a Taser was deployed, with no effect on the suspect."

Deputies eventually were able to restrain and handcuff the suspect, who was identified as 24-year-old James Allen.

Five deputies and the suspect received minor injuries during the altercation, Wiard said.

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