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Hummer Pursuit Suspect Accused Of Kidnapping Family Arrested

CERRITOS (CBSLA.com) — A man, who led police on a chase through Orange County after allegedly kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and their two children, was taken into custody Tuesday, less than 24 hours after eluding police.

Acting on a tip, undercover detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department arrested Thomas Ueno, 35, at about 7 p.m. He was taken into custody without incident in Cerritos, about a block from his mother's house.

Jail records show the suspect was released from jail in L.A. County in November.

Ueno led police on a chase that began just before 5 p.m. Monday in Buena Park after police received report of a man who had abducted his kids, ages 1 and 6, and their mother who had a restraining order on him, authorities said.

"The victim sent the handling detective a message informing him that the suspect was with her,  said Lt. Al Martinez. "Huntington Park detectives ultimately received information that the victim was being held against her will by the suspect."

After learning the vehicle was possibly in the city of Buena Park, authorities were notified of the circumstances and they started an area check for the victim.

Police located Ueno's Hummer and attempted to conduct a high risk stop, but he refused to yield and led officers on a pursuit through several freeways in both Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Upon arriving to the area of Dover Drive and 15th Street in Newport Beach, Ueno refused to surrender or let his family go. A standoff subsequently ensued.

The standoff lasted for several hours. During this time, police said Ueno appeared agitated and was seen talking on his mobile phone. On five occasions, Ueno exited the Hummer with one of his children, appearing to surrender, but then got back into the vehicle.

Around 10 p.m., he took off running up a hill and disappeared into the night was taken into custody the next day.

The mother and children were unharmed, police said.

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