UPDATE: A dramatic police pursuit in San Diego ended in a spike strip arrest on October 6, 2023, after officers chased a suspect who allegedly violated a restraining order. The chase began in Pacific Beach and culminated on northbound Interstate 15 near Aero Drive, causing significant traffic disruptions during the midday rush.
Authorities confirm that the pursuit started at 1:09 PM when officers attempted to pull over a Dodge Ram following a call about the restraining order violation. According to Officer Anthony Carrasco, the suspect fled the scene, leading officers on a high-speed chase through the streets of Mid-City, where at one point, he drove against traffic.
Police successfully deployed a spike strip on the interstate, deflating the truck’s tires just south of Aero Drive. Officers apprehended the driver on suspicion of violating the restraining order and felony evading, with no injuries or collisions reported during the incident.
Motorists faced heavy delays as the scene was cleared, and authorities advised drivers to seek alternate routes. The spike strip approach, while effective, raises ongoing debates about the safety of police pursuits. The San Diego Police Department emphasizes that such measures are necessary to safely conclude high-risk chases.
“Officers need options to stop fleeing suspects,” Officer Carrasco stated, as reported by NBC 7 San Diego.
The suspect now faces a serious charge under California’s Vehicle Code 2800.2, which can lead to felony charges for reckless evasion when a driver shows willful disregard for public safety. Legal experts highlight the gravity of these allegations, which can result in significant prison time.
Once prosecutors review the case, any restraining order violations will be handled separately. As of now, the San Diego Police Department has not released the suspect’s name. This story will be updated with further details as they become available.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this developing story, as officials continue to assess the impact of this incident on public safety and traffic in San Diego.
