Suspect in 'Reckless' Pursuit Was on Parole

This story was originally published at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday. It was updated at 9:35 a.m. Wednesday.

The man who reportedly led police on a wild pursuit through Santa Monica Tuesday evening was identified as 53-year-old James Stearns, who was on parole for a conviction of assault with a deadly weapon.

The pursuit ended in Santa Monica near CVS at 26th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard. Stearns was taken into custody.

Three people were injured, including Stearns, in as many as four crashes during the pursuit. It was prompted by a 911 call from a woman who reported her car had been taken from her by an acquaintance during an argument at a Ralphs in the 23000 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, said sheriff's Sgt. Michael Holland of the Malibu/Lost Hills Station.

During the 911 call, "the victim indicated the suspect was highly intoxicated," Holland said.

Sheriff's deputies were able to track the 2007 Toyota Camry to near the 10 freeway in Santa Monica with information provided by the woman. "We attempted a traffic stop, and he fled," driving "very recklessly,"  Holland said.

Stearns reportedly blew through red lights and drove the wrong way on Santa Monica surface streets.

Shortly before the chase ended, dj_killshot Tweeted:

@KTLAnewsdesk why is santa monica police driving up and down the street telling people to stay inside #breakingnews

And, from Jeff Hou:

Helicopters overhead, police everywhere, announcements overhead saying to stay inside...Who knew i [live] on the mean streets

Holland said the suspect is being treated at an area hospital, and will be booked on suspicion of carjacking and drunken driving.

The initial 911 call to the sheriff's Lost Hills Station was at 5:12 p.m. Authorities said they did not know the relationship of the victim and Stearns, but believe they might have been coworkers.

The woman reported her keys were taken from her by force.

— City News Service contributed to this report.