Authorities detail RV chase suspect’s getaway and arrest

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California authorities say a paroled sex offender who led police on a wild 3½-hour motor home chase with his young kids inside told authorities he eluded arrest by running for three hours, shaving his beard and hopping a train headed to Arizona.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s Capt. Eddie Hernandez said Friday that 46-year-old Stephen Houk had a meal at a homeless shelter and slept outside a library during his time on the run.

Houk was arrested Thursday in the Mojave Desert city of Barstow. He was found in a rail car and arrested.

His arrest came two days after he led dozens of officers on a 100-mile (161-kilometer) chase from Hollywood to Bakersfield.

Houk escaped when his motor home kicked up blinding dust and he ran into an almond orchard.