A video released by the Anaheim Police Department shows what happened before a fatal police shooting in Santa Ana in April, after a pickup driver led officers on a wild pursuit in which he reportedly traveled on the wrong sides of roads and reached speeds of up to 100 mph.
The chase began after police received a report, around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, that a man had been shot outside the Kona Inn Motel on North Brookhurst Street.
As the first officer arrived and located the victim — who had been shot in the stomach — the suspect left the parking lot in a white pickup, Sgt. Jacob Gallacher said in the video, which includes body-worn camera footage and is part of a standard critical incident report reviewing a police shooting.
Police caught up with the Chevrolet Silverado near Monterey Street and Lincoln Avenue. The driver, later identified as 51-year-old Danny Lee Cuelho of La Habra, did not yield to a traffic stop, marking the beginning of a nearly 50-minute pursuit that wound through Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Orange and Santa Ana.
Cuelho reached speeds of up to 100 mph, ran red lights, and drove on the wrong side of roads and the 91 Freeway, Gallacher said.
Warning: This video may be disturbing to some viewers.
Police used several tactics to stop the truck, including deploying spike strips, attempting PIT maneuvers, and ramming the vehicle, he added.
Aerial footage shows Cuelho driving on the wrong side of State College Boulevard. It also captures a patrol car attempting a PIT maneuver, but the suspect continues. Shortly after, Cuelho is seen driving through a red light into oncoming traffic.
When the truck becomes stuck in traffic at a red light, one patrol car tries — unsuccessfully — to push it to the side of the street.
Cuelho’s tires begin to come apart as he keeps driving, with footage showing sparks flying from the pavement. Around 8:30 p.m., one of the truck’s tires comes off entirely, but Cuelho continues on.
“He keeps driving into us when we go for the PIT,” someone is heard saying over the police radio. “He’s trying to actively hit the units.”
Police finally bring the truck to a stop with a PIT maneuver on the 1700 block of West Memory Lane in Santa Ana.
As officers boxed in the truck, Cuelho stepped on the gas, Gallacher said, causing the tires to spin and smoke.
The video shows the suspect then appears to lean out of the window with something in his hand.
Gallacher said the man was motioning to officers through the driver’s side window while holding an object. Then, police shot him.
One officer can be heard repeatedly shouting, “Stop!” before shots are fired.
As bullets strike the vehicle, several officers yell at the suspect to stop moving and put his hands up.
In total, eight officers fired their weapons, Gallacher said.
A passenger in the truck was not struck and was taken into custody.
Paramedics were called to the scene, and body-worn camera footage shows an officer performing chest compressions on Cuelho.
A preliminary search of the truck did not reveal a firearm, Gallacher said. However, after a search warrant was issued, officers located a handgun inside the vehicle. It’s unclear exactly where the gun was found, but police confirmed it matched the one used in the earlier shooting at the motel.
As of June 27, police still did not know what object Cuelho was holding at the time of the shooting, Gallacher said.
Cuelho had a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for vehicle theft, armed robbery, drug possession and sales, gang involvement, and hit-and-run, according to police.
It was not immediately clear whether investigators had determined a motive for the initial shooting or Cuelho’s connection with the victim. The passenger’s involvement also remains unknown.
A use-of-force investigation is ongoing, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will review the case.