Suspect Dies After Highway 80 Chase, Crash

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities say a man wanted for allegedly trying to run over an officer died when his car crashed in Berkeley during a high-speed police pursuit.

The 38-year-old man -- whose name has not been released -- was driving a white Honda Civic on eastbound Interstate 80 around 5 a.m. Friday when it veered off the freeway and slammed into a tree.

An officer had approached the driver in his car the previous night because he thought the man needed help. But police say the driver became agitated and drove off, nudging the officer and trying to run him over as he lay on the ground.

The officer was able to roll out of the way and was not injured.

Police say they later determined the car was stolen.

Officers spotted it again about nine hours later and began the pursuit.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)