FREEWAY CHASE SPEEDS EXCEED 100 MPH.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

PALMDALE - A motorist who led law-enforcement officers on a 60-mile chase from Palmdale to Irwindale is a registered sex offender from Bakersfield who is suspected of driving drunk, officials said Wednesday.

The driver, identified as Bryon Flournoy, 37, of Bakersfield, was not injured when he crashed his compact station wagon into a guardrail about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday after losing control at 110 mph on the 605 Freeway, California Highway Patrol officials said.

``He exited his vehicle and advanced on officers refusing to obey commands,'' said CHP Officer John Escobedo. ``He kept yelling things like he wasn't going to stop and cursing.''

Officers subdued Flournoy and booked him at at the Industry sheriff's station jail in lieu of $50,000 bail on suspicion of felony evading, resisting arrest and driving under the influence. According to Department of Corrections records, Flournoy was released from state prison in 1993 after serving three years for a conviction on aiding or abetting rape. He was registered as living in Bakersfield, records show.

The pursuit began about 10 p.m on Avenue R in Palmdale when Palmdale deputies spotted a silver Honda driving recklessly. Believing the driver may be under the influence of alcohol, deputies attempted to stop the car but it sped off.