Man sends police on chase Sunday morning

A Fullerton man reportedly led police on a chase out of Laguna Beach on Sunday.

The suspect got officers’ attention around 1 a.m. on Glenneyre Street after failing to stop at three stop signs, Sgt. John Falk said. An officer then attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

Police followed the driver, who went down Laguna Canyon Road and accelerated his speed. Sgt. Falk said the officer reported that the suspect was driving in a manner that indicated he might be under the influence, while reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour. Another officer joined the pursuit and the two followed the suspect onto the Santa Ana (5) Freeway.

An Orange County Sheriff’s Department helicopter joined the pursuit as well. At that point, Laguna Beach police asked California Highway Patrol to take over the pursuit.

The suspect exited the freeway in Santa Ana and yielded to Santa Ana police, Sgt. Falk said.

Martin Philip Dirnbach, 44, was arrested on suspicion of evading arrest and DUI at 1:35 a.m. He has two prior DUI arrests, according to the Laguna Beach police dispatch log.

— Joanna Clay

Twitter: @joannaclay