Police chase and arrest convenience store suspect

Costa Mesa police arrested a 20-year-old man who they said ran away from officers Wednesday after he burglarized a Chevron gas station on Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa.

Anthony Baxstrum was arrested after a quick chase about 2 p.m. near 18th Street and Newport Boulevard, next to the Grant Boys store.

Authorities said Baxstrum and another man went into the gas station convenience store and began grabbing items and concealing them.

The clerk noticed only Baxstrum but confronted both men when they tried to leave, Sgt. Bryan Glass said. The men got into a van and drove off and were quickly spotted by police, who were notified about the burglary and had received a description of Baxstrum, Glass said.

When officers tried to pull him over, Baxstrum jumped out and was arrested, police said.

The van’s driver continued on and got away, police said.

Police declined to describe the van and the second suspect.

— Joseph Serna