A 28-year-old man was arrested in Vista last Saturday after deputies say a short, slow-moving vehicle chase turned into a struggle during a foot pursuit when the driver allegedly grabbed for a deputy’s gun. The incident began when deputies tried to pull over a Ford Ranger they say was speeding and weaving along North Santa Fe Avenue. When the pickup finally stopped in a residential driveway on North Citrus Avenue, the driver ran off and, according to deputies, grabbed the barrel of a deputy’s handgun and tried to yank it free. Deputies used a taser to subdue him and booked the man on several felony charges, including suspected DUI and resisting arrest.
Deputies say the chase stayed short and slow
Deputies at the Vista Sheriff’s Station said they first tried to initiate a traffic stop on North Santa Fe Avenue after spotting the Ford Ranger moving too fast and cutting through traffic, according to Fox 5 San Diego. Instead of pulling over, officials said, the driver kept going and led deputies on a pursuit that covered less than a mile and reached about 29 miles per hour. The truck finally rolled to a stop in a driveway on North Citrus Avenue, where, according to the agency, the driver bailed out and took off on foot.
Foot pursuit ended after deputies used a taser
During the chase on foot, the suspect grabbed the barrel of a deputy’s handgun and tried to pull it from the holster before deputies hit him with a taser, authorities told Fox 5 San Diego. The Vista Sheriff’s Station said no deputies were hurt and no property was damaged during the struggle. The man was arrested on multiple felony counts, including suspected DUI and resisting arrest, and taken to the Vista Detention Facility, which serves as the county intake center for northern San Diego County.
Investigation ongoing
The Vista Sheriff’s Station said the investigation remains active and more information could be released as the case works through the county booking process. Anyone with details about what happened was asked to contact the Vista office of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
