FALLBROOK–A man was arrested Monday for threatening a person with a machete, vandalism to a vehicle, and leading authorities on a short vehicle pursuit in North County, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reports.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., deputies were investigating a report of a suspect, identified as Jorge Lopez, threatening the victim with a machete in the 1600 block of South Mission Road and vandalizing the victim’s vehicle windows. The victim did not know Lopez and did not know why Lopez chose to threaten and damage his vehicle.
Deputies attempted to contact Lopez at an address on Green Canyon Road when they received a call that Lopez was back at the original location threatening other people. Deputies drove back to the location and observed Lopez driving away. They attempted to stop Lopez, but he refused to pull over and a short pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, Lopez collided with a tree and fled his vehicle on foot. Deputies located Lopez at Green Briar Drive and Green Briar Circle. A short foot pursuit ensued but Lopez was apprehended with the assistance of a K9 deputy.
Lopez was transported to the Palomar Medical Center to be medically evaluated before being booked into the Vista Detention Center for charges that include brandishing a weapon, vandalism and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.
No deputies or individuals were injured, nor was there any other property damaged during the incident. The investigation is ongoing.
