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RV Pursuit Suspect Has Preliminary Hearing Continued

An RV pursuit suspect, who led authorities on a high speed chase that started in Santa Clarita in May, returned to court Friday, only to have his preliminary hearing continued.


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Stephen Merle Houk was charged with two counts of kidnapping, child abuse, injuring a spouse and child detention, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.

Houk was also charged with one count each of assault with a firearm, criminal threats, fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle, possession of a firearm by a felon, fugitive from justice and transient violation of registration, a misdemeanor.

On May 1, Houk and his spouse allegedly got into a fight in the family’s RV parked in Malibu, according to law enforcement officials.

Houk is accused of pointing a loaded firearm at his wife and threatening to kill her.

The two children, ages 3 and 1, were awakened by the commotion, said a prosecutor with the District Attorney’s office.  

Houk then allegedly drove away and stopped at a gas station.

His wife eventually asked for help from a passerby, who called authorities, according to the District Attorney’s Office.  

Houk allegedly fled when Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded and a pursuit ensued going through several different law enforcement jurisdictions.

Houk then allegedly fled from the RV after stopping near Bakersfield, the prosecutor said.

The suspect was later found in Barstow, California where he was taken into custody.   

Bail was set at $1 million.

Houk’s preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue Tuesday, August 28.

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RV Pursuit Suspect Has Preliminary Hearing Continued

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About Louie Diaz

Louie was born and raised in Santa Clarita. At the age of two Louie lost his vision due to a brain tumor. However, Louie doesn't let blindness stop him from doing what ever it is he wants to accomplish. Growing up some of his favorite hobbies were wood working, fishing and riding bikes. Louie graduated from College of the Canyon in December of 2017, with a Broadcast Journalism degree. Growing up Louie has always wanted to be a fire fighter or a police officer, but because of his blindness Louie knew that wouldn't work. Louie has always loved listening to police and fire radio traffic, using a scanner, and he figured if he was going to listen to the scanner so much, he should do something with it.