It was described as "traffic nightmare" on the Memorial Day holiday as drivers were stuck for 90 minutes, completely stopped with at some just getting out of their vehicles and sitting down.
(SEE PHOTO BELOW)
The 5 freeway was shut down in both directions in Carmel Valley Monday after a pursuit and stand-off led to the complete closure of the freeway in both directions.
The pursuit ended early in the afternoon near the 56 where officers stopped a vehicle. But the driver refused to surrender and the stand-off began.
The CHP says officers used various techniques, including pepper balls according to a witess, to get the man out of the car and take him into custody. They say he was 'definitely under the influence'.
Drivers who called in during KOGO's continuing coverage said they were stopped in the long backups, some for up to 90 minutes.
The San Diego Sheriff's Office said the pursuit began in Imperial Beach at about 10:30 a.m. after deputies witnessed "reckless driving."
A spike strip was deployed when the vehicle reached the i-5 connector with the 805, but man kept driving with flattened tires.
The CHP says officers conducted a pit maneuver - a tactic where a patrol car intentionally strikes the side of a vehicle during a pursuit to cause it to spin our of control and stop.
Both the north and southbound lanes of the 5 were opened again by shortly after 1:30 in the afternoon.
(Photo listener Joanne Schleghel)