Authorities have released photos of the man they believe crashed through a barricade during the San Diego Pride Festival last week, nearly striking a traffic officer before leading police on a chase through three cities.
Matthew Haney, 40, ignored a uniformed traffic controller's directions last Saturday and drove straight through a barricade at 6th Avenue and El Prado, near Balboa Park, during one of the largest single-day civic events in the region, according to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).
The traffic officer had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.
Police don't believe the act was malicious but Haney did not stop after crashing through the barricade. Instead, he continued driving, side-sweeping a parked car with a woman who was six months pregnant inside, police said.
The woman was taken to the hospital with complaints of back pain.
With police in pursuit, Haney got onto southbound Interstate 5 to eastbound state Route 94, SDPD said. He then merged onto SR-125 and exited the freeway on Lemon Avenue.
At one point, Haney struck an SDPD K-9 unit police cruiser, SDPD said.
Local
Then, he ditched the black Honda Odyssey minivan he was driving outside of La Mesa Arts Academy.
Police searched for hours but could not find Haney.
Crime Stoppers released photos of the suspect and a detailed description Thursday in the hopes of finding information that could lead them to Haney's arrest.
Haney has blond hair and brown eyes. He is about 6 feet tall and weighs 160 pounds, SDPD said.
Anyone with information that leads authorities to an arrest may be eligible for a $1,000 reward, Crime Stoppers said. To submit a tip call (888) 580-8477 or visit Crime Stoppers online.
