High speed chase California ended in tragedy Tuesday when a man who stole a California Highway Patrol cruiser jumped out of his car and died in the middle of the road.

The suspect, who reportedly suffered from mental health issues, stole the vehicle after a hit-and-run in the Santa Clarita area.

During the chase, the suspect pulled out a shotgun and an assault rifle, although news reports said the weapons in the car were safe.

The chase eventually ended on the 138 freeway when the suspect jumped out of the vehicle, which was traveling at about 45 mph.

The impact caused the suspect, whose name has not been released, to hit his head on the freeway, leaving him unconscious in the middle of the road.

A car traveling at about 45 mph hit a light pole

Law enforcement officers quickly arrived at the scene to assist the suspect

Officers immediately called for 911 and began CPR.

Eventually, the suspect’s body was moved to the side of the road to await transport.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the suspect did not survive the incident and was later pronounced dead at nearby Antelope Valley Hospital, according to a CHP spokesperson.

“CHP personnel who arrived on scene performed life-saving measures and the driver was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital where he was pronounced dead,” said CHP Officer Alec Pereydo.

After the suspect jumped out of the moving vehicle, he drove several dozen feet before leaving the road and crashing into a light pole.

The incident started during a collision. When a CHP officer responded to the scene, the suspect was somehow able to jump into a moving Dodge Charger cruiser and take off with it.

The officer left his vehicle momentarily to check on one of the victims of the initial crash when the suspect got into his car and took off.

He fled northbound on Highway 5, reaching speeds of 100 mph at some points during the chase, before turning onto eastbound 138.