Suspect Wanted in Multiple Counties Arrested After Pursuit Ends on Interstate 8
EL CENTRO, Calif. — A suspect linked to multiple thefts in El Centro and San Diego County was taken into custody Wednesday after leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit that ended with the deployment of spike strips on Interstate 8.
According to the El Centro Police Department, day shift patrol officers located a vehicle believed to be involved in a string of thefts, including the alleged theft of more than $2,500 worth of tools from the Lowe’s store in El Centro. The suspect also had an active felony warrant out of Riverside County.
When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect failed to yield, prompting a pursuit westbound on I-8 toward San Diego, where the suspect reportedly resides. El Centro Police coordinated with the California Highway Patrol and the U.S. Border Patrol to intercept the fleeing driver.
Border Patrol agents deployed spike strips at the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-8. The suspect’s vehicle struck the devices and came to a stop, allowing officers to apprehend the driver without further incident.
Detectives with the El Centro Police Department responded to interview the suspect regarding the ongoing investigations. He was later booked into the Imperial County Jail.
The suspect is currently being held on four felony charges, including evading law enforcement and reckless driving, as well as his outstanding warrant from Riverside County, according to a report by KYMA News.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to connect the suspect to additional cases in both Imperial and San Diego counties.