This morning, an auto theft incident in El Cajon led to a police chase that spanned across San Diego County, ending with the arrest of three teenagers. The El Cajon Police Department received notification from an Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system at roughly 1:37 AM about a reported stolen vehicle. Officers located the vehicle, but when an attempt to stop the car was made, the teenagers behind the wheel chose to flee, triggering an extended pursuit. As reported by the official El Cajon City website, the chase was eventually halted due to the dangerous speeds involved, but a Sheriff's helicopter continued to track the vehicle visually.
The chase culminated in Chula Vista, where the stolen car lost control and crashed into a wooden pole on Sweetwater Rd. The driver, now trapped by the inoperative driver's door, was apprehended as he desperately attempted to escape through the passenger side. His two accomplices initially eluded capture on foot but were eventually detained, as they were closely observed from above by the vigilant helicopter crew.
All three teenagers were arrested for auto theft and possession of stolen property. Additionally, the driver faces charges of evading arrest with wanton disregard for public safety. According to the El Cajon city news release, the driver and one passenger, both with prior criminal records, were taken to Juvenile Hall, while the third teenager was released into parental custody.
