What began as a report of a stabbing in Vista ended with a law enforcement chase and a wrong-way crash on a highway in San Marcos late Saturday night.
Sheriff’s deputies got a call around 11:30 p.m. Saturday about a fight and possible stabbing occurring near East Orange Street and The Circle in Vista.
When deputies arrived, they did not find a fight or evidence of a stabbing but saw a Honda Accord speeding away, said sheriff’s Lt. George Crysler. Deputies activated their emergency lights but the driver didn’t stop, so they started to pursue him.
The driver ran through several red lights during the chase. At Sycamore Avenue, he drove onto state Route 78 going the wrong way. Deputies said they stopped the pursuit for safety reasons and asked the California Highway Patrol to take over.
About 10 minutes later, calls came in about a solo-vehicle crash on SR-78 near the Rancho Santa Fe Road exit in San Marcos. Witnesses said they saw the driver crawl out of his car and jump into a ditch near Smilax Road.
Deputies confirmed it was the same car they had been chasing earlier, but it’s unclear whether he was related to the initial report of the alleged fight or stabbing, Crysler said. No other cars were involved.
The driver was taken into custody, deputies said. He was taken to Palomar Medical Center to be treated for a leg injury.
His name and age were not disclosed.
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