Police said the suspect’s former girlfriend escaped from his pickup before officers located the vehicle and began the chase.
IRVINE, CA — A Costa Mesa man accused of forcing his former girlfriend into a pickup truck was arrested after a police pursuit through Irvine, authorities said.
Irvine police identified the suspect as Phillip Gregory Ramos, 48. Police said Ramos confronted the woman Monday, July 13, at her workplace in Irvine and displayed an object she believed was a firearm before forcing her into his truck.
The woman managed to escape from the vehicle, according to police. Authorities did not release her name or disclose whether she was injured. Police also did not immediately say how long she was inside the truck or provide additional details about how she escaped.
Ramos drove away after the woman got free, police said. Irvine officers later located his pickup and attempted to stop him, beginning a pursuit through the city.
Video released by the Irvine Police Department showed officers attempting several pursuit intervention technique maneuvers, commonly known as PIT maneuvers. The tactic involves using a police vehicle to turn a fleeing vehicle and bring it to a stop.
Officers also placed spike strips in the truck’s path, police said. The pursuit ended after officers blocked the pickup and prevented Ramos from continuing to drive. Authorities did not report any injuries connected to the chase or say whether other vehicles were damaged.
Police arrested Ramos on suspicion of kidnapping, domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon and felony evading. The allegations describe the basis for his arrest and have not been proven in court.
Authorities did not say whether officers recovered a firearm or another weapon from Ramos or the truck. Police also did not release the precise location of the woman’s workplace, the route of the pursuit or the location where the arrest occurred.
No information was immediately available about Ramos’ bail, legal representation or his next scheduled court appearance. The investigation remained ongoing, and police had not announced additional arrests as of Wednesday.
Author note: Last updated July 15, 2026.