Rape Suspect Dies Of Poison Along 101 Freeway In Ventura

VENTURA (CBSLA) – A 35-year-old man wanted on rape charges poisoned himself to death along the 101 Freeway in Ventura Wednesday morning, according to authorities, bringing traffic to a standstill for more than an hour.

California Highway Patrol reports that the incident began at 7:35 a.m., when officers located the suspect driving northbound on the 101 Freeway at Vineyard Avenue in Oxnard.

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When officers attempted to pull him over, the suspect refused to stop and a pursuit ensued that continued for about six miles into Ventura.

The driver, identified as Jonathan Hanks, 33, of Camarillo, eventually came to a stop at the center divider near Seaward Avenue, CHP told CBS2. Eventually, officers discovered the man dead and determined he had died from self-inflicted poisoning. Authorities believe the poisoning to be cyanide.

Investigators say Hanks was wanted for the rape of a 14-year-old girl.

No other drivers were injured, and CHP says no shots were fired despite early reports.