A wild vehicular rampage on the streets of Vista led to the arrest of Francisco Gerardo Sustaita, 44, yesterday. According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, at around 2:05 p.m., Sustaita deliberately rammed his Toyota Tundra into a car at a Starbucks drive-through and subsequently collided with four more vehicles, causing multiple injuries. The incident began in the 1700 block of W Vista Way and ended with the suspect's arrest near Valencia Drive.
The authorities reported that Sustaita continued to flee after every collision. A chase ensued as deputies tried to make contact with him, only to see him intentionally crash into several more vehicles. The pursuit stopped when Sustaita's vehicle was disabled, which led him to abandon the car and attempt to escape on foot. Deputies managed to safely apprehend Sustaita on the center median east of Valencia Drive using a WRAP restraint device.
The Vista Fire Department responded to the crash scenes, where they treated the victims who sustained minor injuries. Sustaita was also evaluated by the fire personnel and was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being booked into the Vista Detention Facility.
Sustaita now faces multiple felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon. While it is not yet confirmed whether drugs or alcohol played a part in this violent episode, the Vista Traffic Unit continues to investigate the incident thoroughly.
