A Vista man is in jail after deputies say he tore through local streets Monday in a drunken, demolition-derby-style crash spree that left a trail of wrecked cars, a busted fire hydrant and a damaged power pole. Several people were treated at the scene by paramedics, authorities said, and the chaos finally came to a halt near Alta Vista Botanical Gardens when the pickup lost a front driver-side tire and deputies moved in to arrest the driver.
Spree Began At Apartment Complex, Sheriff's Office Says
According to a San Diego County Sheriff's Office news release, the incident started around 7:30 PM in the 1400 block of Oak Drive. Deputies say the suspect hit a parked car at an apartment complex and took out a steel gate before continuing on. The same release states he then struck two more parked vehicles and ruptured a fire hydrant before heading onto Foothill Drive.
Wrong-Way Driving And Head-On Crashes
As reported by NBC 7 San Diego, deputies say the driver then continued on Foothill Drive going the wrong way, forcing oncoming motorists to swerve out of his path. At least one passing vehicle was sideswiped, according to the station. Lt. Noah Zarnow told reporters, "In an attempt to flee this scene, Miguel reversed and then accelerated forward, ramming the victim's vehicle to push it out of the way." Paramedics evaluated that driver and others at the scene, authorities said.
Damage, Injuries And Booking
Local coverage by Patch notes that Miguel slammed into a minivan that sustained major damage, and the minivan's driver suffered minor injuries. Despite losing the truck's driver-side front wheel, Miguel allegedly kept driving until he veered off the road and crashed into a power pole near Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. Deputies then took him into custody. Patch reports that deputies evaluated Miguel and booked him into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of DUI.
Charges And Bail
NBC 7 San Diego reports that 32-year-old Isaias Diego Miguel was being held on $555,760 bail and booked on 19 counts, including six felonies. Authorities allege offenses including driving under the influence, hit-and-run causing injury, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and violating the terms of his probation. Details on his arraignment were not immediately available.
Investigation Continues
The Vista Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate, and the San Diego County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with additional information to contact the Vista station. The media contact listed in the news release is Lieutenant Noah Zarnow at the Vista Sheriff's Station.
Authorities did not immediately release further information about Miguel's probation terms or whether chemical tests had been completed. More details are expected to come once he is arraigned in Vista.
