San Marcos, CA–Three suspects accused of stealing a man’s cell phone and wallet led authorities on a vehicle pursuit in San Marcos, the Sheriff’s office said Monday.
All three suspects will be charged with robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and promoting or assisting a criminal street gang. The driver will be charged with evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety.
On September 5, at about 9:38 a.m., the Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call of a robbery that occurred near the Walmart shopping center at 732 Center Drive in San Marcos. The victim called to report he was in a fight with three people who had stolen his wallet and cell phone. The Sheriff’s helicopter, ASTREA, was in the area and spotted the three suspects running away and entering a tan-colored Chevrolet Tahoe. ASTREA was able to direct arriving deputies to the location of the Tahoe. The Tahoe started heading toward Nordahl Road when deputies initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. As the Tahoe turned left onto Nordahl Road, one of the three suspects jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to run away but was quickly detained by deputies.
The Tahoe with the two remaining suspects continued northbound on Nordahl Road and a traffic pursuit ensued. The Tahoe continued past Rock Springs Road at speeds of approximately 60 miles per hour when the driver lost control and collided with a utility box and wooden utility pole. The driver suffered moderate injuries and the passenger suffered major but non-life-threatening injuries. Both suspects were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for their injuries. The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
During the investigation, deputies determined the suspects were affiliated with a criminal street gang.
