A driver being chased by police at high speeds through the Encanto neighborhood Tuesday night caused a crash that injured at least seven people, including some minors.
The pursuit began when the driver of a gray Toyota Corolla was caught speeding through a red light at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Naranja Street, according to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).
Police chased the gray Toyota for less than a minute but in that short time the driver surpassed 60 miles per hour on neighborhood streets, SDPD said.
The driver lost control near the intersection of Market and Pitta streets and slammed into a Ford Explorer head-on, injuring three minors ranging from around 10 to 16 years old and two adults inside.
The force of the crash was so severe it pushed the SUV about 50 feet and off the roadway. The family was taken to a local hospital after complaining of pain, said SDPD.
Two of the three people in the suspect car were also injured, SDPD said.
At least one person was seen lying on a stretecher in the street while police and medics performed first aid. The injured were transported to UC Medical Center and Scripps Mercy Hospital with what were described as minor injuries.
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Police said narcotics evidence was found in the suspect's car.
The Toyota Corolla involved in the pursuit was stolen earlier Tuesday and the driver was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the crash, SDPD said. One of the passengers of the stolen car, Gustavo Vargos, 22, was booked into jail for being drunk in public. The other passenger was taken to the hospital for a leg injury and will not be arrested, according to SDPD.
The driver of the crash will stay at the hospital until he is booked into jail.
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