Carjacking suspect arrested after pursuit, crash in Vista (original) (raw)

A man accused of hijacking a car with several others in Vista early Sunday was arrested after he allegedly led officers on a pursuit that ended in a crash, sheriff’s officials said.

The victim told deputies that one man armed with a handgun, and four others who simulated having guns, took the car around 1:25 a.m. on South Santa Fe Avenue near Civic Center Drive, Lt. Matthew Carpenter said.

Deputies coordinated a search for the stolen car, a black Mazda 3, and found it about five minutes later around West Vista Way and Emerald Drive, Carpenter said.

Deputies attempted to pull over the driver, but he took off. The car ultimately crashed into a small median and overturned, Carpenter said.

The driver was found inside the vehicle, suffering from injuries not thought to be life-threatening. He was arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Carpenter said he did not know what happened to the four other alleged carjackers. The investigation is ongoing.

Originally Published: August 25, 2024 at 5:35 p.m.