A stolen Tesla Model Y turned a quiet part of East County into a rolling police scene this morning, as San Diego County sheriff’s deputies chased the car across several communities before arresting the driver in Allied Gardens. The suspect tried to bolt on foot after ditching the vehicle, but was quickly taken into custody. No crashes or injuries were reported.
How the chase unfolded
Patrol personnel first spotted the reportedly stolen Tesla parked with someone behind the wheel in the 12800 block of Mapleview Street in Lakeside shortly before 10:30 a.m. Deputies tried to make contact, but the driver took off. Units followed westbound through Lakeside, into Santee, and then into eastern San Diego.
The chase wrapped up near Mission Gorge Road and Old Cliffs Road in Allied Gardens, where the driver stopped, jumped out of the Tesla, and ran. Deputies caught up and arrested the person at about 10:50 a.m. Sheriff’s officials said there were no traffic crashes or injuries during the pursuit and that no information about the suspect was immediately available, as reported by City News Service.
What neighbors saw
The stop and arrest briefly brought a heavy law-enforcement presence to parts of Allied Gardens and nearby Santee and Lakeside. Neighbors in the area reported seeing multiple sheriff’s units and a short foot pursuit before deputies cleared the scene after the arrest.
How to report tips
Anyone with information or video of the chase can contact the San Diego County Sheriff's Office or submit an anonymous tip to San Diego Crime Stoppers. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office posts news releases and has a tip form, and San Diego Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous leads and may offer rewards.
Next steps
Authorities had not released charges or identifying details about the suspect at the time of the arrest. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
