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Man crashes trying to evade authorities near Pala

A 23-year-old man was hospitalized after crashing into a transit bus near Pala Casino as he tried to evade sheriff’s deputies on Jan. 31, San Diego County sheriff’s officials said.

Cesar Lopez, 23, was booked into jail on Feb. 2 following the crash, which happened in in the 10300 block of Highway 76 in the Pala area, according to a San Diego County sheriff’s news release. He remained there as of press time, with no bail set.

Sheriff’s officials say that about 4:15 p.m. they saw a 1999 Dodge Durango in the parking lot of Pala Casino which matched the description of suspect vehicle in a “Be On the Lookout” alert. They say the driver of the vehicle also matched the description of a wanted felony subject.

Authorities followed the Durango onto Highway 76 and tried to do a traffic stop, but the man increased his speed west on Highway 76 and a pursuit began.

“The deputies lost sight of the vehicle as it sped west on Highway 76. Moments later the deputies discovered the suspect had collided with a North County Transit bus traveling the opposite direction,” the release states.

Sheriff’s officials say the SUV caught fire momentarily but was put out with the help of responding firefighters.

Lopez, they say, was found to be in possession of loaded pistol magazines believed to belong to the firearm, suspected methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia on his person. They also found stolen property inside the vehicle, including checks, IDS and a passport.

Lopez was taken to the hospital for unspecified injuries and the driver and passenger of the transit bus were taken for minor ones.

The crash prompted the closure of both sides of Highway 76 for hours and snarled traffic in the area.

The westbound lanes of the 76 were blocked at Pala Del Norte Road and the eastbound lanes were block at Rice Canyon Road. Both sides reopened around 10:30 p.m.

 

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