A RV pursuit suspect, that lead law enforcement on a lengthy chase in May returned to court Tuesday for arraignment.
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Stephen Merle Houk, 47, 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 while parked in Malibu, according to law enforcement officials.
Houk is accused of allegedly 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.
Related: RV Pursuit Suspect Faces More Court Delays
Houk then allegedly drove away without his wife 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, including the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s and California Highway Patrol Newhal Office jurisdictions.
Houk then allegedly fled from the RV after stopping near Bakersfield, the prosecutor said.
The suspect was later found in Barstow, where he was taken into custody. Bail was set at $1 million.
He is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 3 for a continuation of his case.
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