San Diego

Suspect Critically Injured After Chase Leads to Deputy-Involved Shooting

A known gang member found with multiple illegal firearms and ballistic vests was critically injured after a pursuit turned into a deputy-involved shooting, San Diego County Sheriff's officials (SDSO) said. 

The pursuit began at approximately 12:35 p.m. Thursday near North Santa Fe Street when deputies on patrol saw a black Lexus driving in the area, Lt. Kenn Nelson said. 

Deputies recognized the driver as a known gang member who had a felony warrant out for his arrest, Nelson said. The warrant was for illegal firearm possession. 

When they tried to pull the 33-year-old suspect over, he refused, Nelson said. He began a short, eight minute pursuit through the City of Vista. 

However, the pursuit ended when the driver slammed into another car near Iron Drive and Copper Drive. 

The suspect fled, leading officers on a short foot chase into alley, Nelson said.

There was some sort of confrontation between the deputies and the suspect, Nelson said, and a deputy fired rounds at the suspect. 

The man, who at the time had three different knives on his person, was struck in the upper torso at least once, Nelson said. Nelson said the investigation is in its early phases and deputies are still unsure how many rounds were fired. 

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, was taken to the hospital and is undergoing surgery. He is in critical condition.

Authorities found multiple illegal firearms, holsters and ballistic vests on the suspect.

The deputies, who have not yet been identified, were not issued body worn cameras. Both deputies were driving in one patrol car; one was a deputy-in-training. 

Authorities took an 18-year-old female passenger into custody. Detectives are working to determine whether or not she was involved. 

Russ Kercher, who has lived in the area for nearly four years, said he's never seen anything like it.

"There must have been 20 cop cars that came speeding around the corner," he said. "I didn't see the car they were chasing, but they were going fast."

One patient has been taken to Palomar Hospital, officials said. 

A perimeter has been set up in the area as officials investigate. 

No other information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story. 

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