A theft investigation that began with a stolen trailer in Alpine led to one arrest in Lakeside and an approximately 60-mile pursuit that ended when a second suspect eluded deputies in Pacific Beach, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office said two suspects stole an enclosed trailer around 3:30 a.m. Aug. 19 from a storage lot in Alpine. The trailer contained a Polaris RZR off-road vehicle, tools and other items valued at about $50,000.

Investigators said video surveillance captured the theft and the suspect vehicle. Deputies from the Alpine Sheriff's Station used automated license plate readers to identify the suspect vehicle, its registered owner and a second suspect. The Sheriff's Office identified the suspects as Eric Leitzke and Lindsey Newcomb.

On Thursday, Aug. 27, the Alpine station's Crime Suppression Team arrested Newcomb at a home in Lakeside, where deputies said they found some of the stolen items. Detectives later located the vehicle Leitzke allegedly used in the theft at a property in the Boulevard area, but the Sheriff's Office said he left on a motorcycle before deputies made contact.

Deputies followed until additional rural enforcement units and the ASTREA helicopter were available, then attempted a traffic stop. The Sheriff's Office said Leitzke failed to yield, triggering a pursuit that went to Pacific Beach and was called off after he eluded law enforcement in narrow alleyways. Deputies later found a firearm in Pine Valley Park along the route and asked anyone with information about Leitzke's whereabouts to call (858) 868-3200.