MOTORCYCLE CHASE BLASTS THROUGH O.C. AS 1+ MILLION WATCH LIVE

A high-speed motorcycle pursuit blasted its way south through Orange County as more than one million people watched live on their televisions, computers and phones to the delight of news outlets in Los Angeles and San Diego.

A live 130 mph pursuit is guaranteed to draw in viewers, and this one delivered at a perfect time. The month of May is one of the times during the year where TV ratings are measured to determine advertising rates. The month-long period, known as “sweeps,” is when TV news goes all out with special investigations and anything they can think of to attract viewers. It’s the TV version of clickbait.

This pursuit was live at the perfect time, during the 10 p.m. news and into the 11 p.m. shows, both in English and Spanish.

Helicopter reporters like Stu Mundel in the KCBS/KCAL helicopter have become cult heroes to many as they dramatically, sometimes hysterically, give viewers a play-by-play of what they are seeing live. Mundel is known for his lively narration and isn’t afraid to throw in a scream once in a while.

Unfortunately for the TV stations and the viewers, poor visibility due to fog in the area of Camp Pendleton along the 5 Freeway stopped the helicopters from following the chase, forcing them to abandon it and head north.

Photographers on the ground picked up where they left off, but they weren’t able to continue it live on TV.

The chase ended when the motorcycle ran out of gas on the southbound 5 Freeway in San Diego. The suspect surrendered to California Highway Patrol officers, who took him into custody. The motorcycle had no license plate and no VIN number. The suspect had several outstanding warrants for his arrest, according to police.

Motorcycle pursuits are on the rise as criminals increasingly use them to better their odds of escape as they are much harder for police to pursue, particularly with their ability to accelerate and maneuver faster than police cars. Most motorcycle chases last only a few minutes as police are outrun or abandon the chase for reasons of safety.

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