Santa Ana: Suspect That Tried to Run Over Children In Schoolyard Hides Inside Tunnel After Pursuit Crash

02.21.2023 | 4:30 PM | SANTA ANA – A suspect who tried to run over children at a school hid from authorities inside a tunnel after crashing into a flood control channel following a pursuit, Tuesday evening.

The suspect driving a black Nissan van entered grounds of the MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School, located in the 600 block of West Alton Avenue, and attempted to strike children and adults around 4:40 PM.

Police responded and attempted to stop the suspect prompting a brief pursuit that came to an end when the suspect crashed into a flood control channel in the 3000 block of South Flower Street.

The suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Nicolas Sanudo, of Santa Ana, fled on foot into a small tunnel.

Area schools were placed on lockdown as authorities worked for hours to detain the suspect who refused to comply with commands.

The incident was resolved around 9:30 PM when Sanudo was taken into custody.

Junior Martinez

Junior joined the County News Service team in 2021 covering a variety of breaking news stories from fires to crashes and protests. As a Southern California native Junior excels in locating and responding to breaking news events.