CHP high speed pursuit starts in Pala, across SR76, down I-15; suspect caught in Miramar area; speeds reach 110 mph

FALLBROOK - On Wednesday, June 1, at approximately 4:45 p.m., the California Highway Patrol became involved in a high speed pursuit seeking to stop the driver of a Honda Civic. The pursuit started in Pala and ended in the Miramar area.

The incident began when officers from the Oceanside CHP office attempted to make an enforcement stop on an unidentified male driving a 1997 Honda Civic on Pala Mission Road, north of State Route 76.

"The driver failed to yield, leading officers across State Route 76 at high rates of speed," said CHP officer Eric Newbury. "Upon reaching Interstate 15, the driver of the Honda took the I-15 southbound, driving at speeds of up to 110 mph, using all lanes to pass traffic and elude officers."

"Due to the high volume of traffic, no spike strips could be deployed during the pursuit," explained Newbury. "San Diego area CHP units took over the pursuit at I-15 southbound and Mercy Rd., as the suspect continued to cross back and forth across all lanes of traffic, including the center divider median and right shoulder."

Newbury said the suspect exited I-15 at Miramar Road and when he reached the end of the offramp, made a u-turn driving wrong way, heading north on the southbound I-15 right shoulder and exited again at the Carroll Canyon on-ramp.

"The suspect entered an apartment complex just west of I-15 and allowed the Honda to collide with a parked vehicle inside the complex," said Newbury. "The suspect was taken into custody shortly afterward without incident.

No injuries were reported in the incident, he said, and the driver, who has not yet been identified, will be booked for: driving a stolen vehicle; driving under the influence of a controlled substance; being under the influence of a controlled substance; and felony evading a police officer.

"This incident is still under investigation and more charges may be filed when it is completed," said Newbury.