By SDCN Editor
Vista, CA–Two people were arrested after leading Sheriff’s deputies on a vehicle pursuit Thursday in the North County, authorities said.
Deputies from the Vista Gang Enforcement Team attempted to conduct a traffic stop at about 7:45 p.m. of a blue Honda Civic for unsafe speeds at Civic Center Drive and Sierra Verde in Vista.
The vehicle, driven by 22-year-old Francisco Castro, failed to yield, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. During the 30-minute pursuit, several objects were thrown out of the window including illegal drugs and a black handgun. The handgun was later recovered, and upon further inspection was found to be a paintball gun. The Honda also struck another vehicle’s side view mirror causing minor damage but no injuries to any of the occupants.
The pursuit traveled through the cities of Vista and San Marcos, as well as the State Routes 78 and 76, and Interstate 15 freeways. The Sheriff’s helicopter unit, ASTREA, arrived and assisted deputies in tracking the vehicle until it came to a stop on its own just north of the Lilac Bridge on the southbound I-15 freeway. Castro and a passenger in the vehicle, Maribel Mora, 33, were taken into custody without further incident.
Castro was arrested for two outstanding felony warrants, reckless evading, hit and run, and possession of methamphetamine. Mora was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant. Both were booked into custody at the Vista Detention Facility.
