By SDCN Editor
Vista, CA–Sheriff’s deputies were called to the area of East Orange Street and The Circle in response to reports of a fight and a possible stabbing in Vista Saturday evening, authorities said.
When deputies arrived around 11:30 p.m., they spotted a Honda Accord speeding away from the scene.
Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating their emergency lights, but the driver refused to pull over, leading them on a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, the driver ran multiple red lights and entered State Route 78, driving the wrong way on the eastbound lanes near Sycamore Avenue. For safety reasons, deputies halted the pursuit and notified the California Highway Patrol of the situation.
Approximately 10 minutes later, 9-1-1 calls reported a traffic collision on SR-78 near Rancho Santa Fe in San Marcos. Witnesses described seeing the driver crawl out of the wrecked vehicle and jump into a ditch near Smilax Road.
Deputies from the Vista and San Marcos Sheriff’s Stations arrived at the scene, confirming that the crashed car was the same Honda Accord from the earlier pursuit. A Sheriff’s K-9 unit was deployed, and the driver was apprehended without incident. He was transported to Palomar Medical Center for treatment of a leg injury.
The initial report of a fight and stabbing in Vista was later determined to be unfounded. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The CHP is handling the investigation due to the incident occurring on State Route 78.
