Driver in stolen semi-truck leads CHP on hourslong chase across Inland Empire

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A driver in a reportedly stolen semi-truck led California Highway Patrol officers on an hourslong chase across the Inland Empire on Tuesday.

The incident began at around 10:30 a.m. in Apple Valley, where the driver failed to yield, according to San Bernardino County sheriff's officials.

The truck took off southbound on the 15 Freeway and continued all the way past Box Springs, Riverside and Moreno Valley, at times reaching speeds of up to 70 mph.

The driver, who appeared to be alone in the cab of the truck, reportedly told police that he was not armed and that he doesn't want to go back to jail.

The suspect also drove onto the eastbound 60 Freeway, speeding through Gilman Springs and Beaumont.

The company name on the truck reads "ACT Enviro," a company that transports hazardous material. The company told ABC News that based on the vehicle's manifest, there were no explosives or hazardous materials on board.

The chase continued onto the 10 Freeway into the Banning area toward Twentynine Palms.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., the suspect drove the truck off the westbound 10 Freeway into a rest area in Whitewater, where he exited the car and was taken into custody by officers without further incident.