Ax-Swinging Suspected Drug User Arrested

An ax-swinging suspected drug user spotted on a Temecula street today fled from California Highway Patrol officers who attempted to detain him, triggering a brief chase that ended when a police canine subdued the suspect, authorities said.

Thomas Robert Landry, 24, of San Diego was arrested on suspicion of felony evading, resisting arrest, being under the influence of a controlled substance and driving under the influence.

Around 9:30 a.m., an officer patrolling northbound Interstate 15, south of Overland Drive, spotted a shirtless man later identified as Landry swinging a pick ax in the freeway center median, according to the CHP.

The suspect was also jumping on and off a skateboard, authorities said. When the officer approached, Landry got into his red Honda Civic and took off, according to the CHP.

The ensuing pursuit reached speeds of 100 mph until the suspect exited the freeway at Clinton Keith Road, heading east. An officer used a "pursuit intervention technique'' -- or PIT maneuver -- to stop him in the area of Elizabeth Lane and Bennetta Court, the CHP reported.

"While the officers attempted to take the suspect into custody, he became combative,'' according to CHP statement. "An (officer) released K-9 'Login,' who helped subdue the suspect so that he could be taken into custody.''

Landry was taken to a Wildomar hospital for an examination, but with no signs of injury, he was cleared to be booked into the in Murrieta. Bail information was not immediately available.