Woman who allegedly eluded police during chase arrested in Costa Mesa

A woman who evaded authorities last month during a chase through Orange and Los Angeles counties was tracked down and arrested in Costa Mesa on Wednesday, authorities said.

On June 30, Laguna Beach police officers stopped a green Mercedes on South Coast Highway at Bluebird Canyon Drive for an unspecified traffic violation, police said.

“The driver, Melissa Haley, was called to the driver’s side door but did not cooperate with officers. Haley was asked to exit the vehicle for further investigation, which resulted in her fleeing from officers in her vehicle southbound on South Coast Highway,” a statement from Laguna Beach police said.

“A pursuit ensued that led officers to Dana Point and then onto Interstate 5 northbound. Due to excessive speed, the vehicle’s continued entry onto Interstate 5, and Haley’s reckless driving, LBPD officers turned the pursuit over to the California Highway Patrol. CHP officers pursued the vehicle into Los Angeles County, but also discontinued the pursuit,” the statement continued.

Laguna Beach investigators began tracking down Haley’s whereabouts to charge her. On Wednesday, she was found near a Costa Mesa auto repair shop. Haley was arrested on suspicion of felony fleeing and taken to the Orange County Jail.