A suspected prowler was arrested in La Mesa overnight after he allegedly drove his car toward officers while attempting to flee, the La Mesa Police Department confirmed.
The bizarre chain of events began around 2:15 a.m. when police were called to investigate a report of a possible prowler in the backyard of a home in the 6900-block of Wisconsin Avenue.
When officers arrived at the scene, they spotted a man in the fenced backyard of a residence. The man – now identified as suspect Paul Day, 49 – fled from police, jumping over fences.
Additional officers and the San Diego Police Department’s ABLE helicopter were called in for backup.
Police said Day then got into his car and sped down the 5400-block of Pennsylvania Avenue until he arrived at a dead end.
At that point, Day accelerated backwards, colliding with a La Mesa police vehicle, officials said. He then drove into a driveway and stopped at a closed gate.
As police officers approached Day’s car on foot, the suspect allegedly accelerated backwards toward two officers.
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The officers quickly jumped out of the way to avoid being struck, and the vehicle crashed into a brick planter bed.
But still, it wasn’t over.
Police said Day then accelerated forward once more, crashing through the closed gate in front of him. His vehicle finally came to a stop at the back of a residence.
Day then fled on foot through foliage behind homes. Officers eventually caught up to him and took him into custody.
Police said Day was suspected of being under the influence.
Day was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on multiple felony charges including resisting a peace officer with violence and attempted burglary. He also faces a misdemeanor DUI charge.
He’s scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.
