Crime

Stolen-Vehicle Pursuit Ends After East County Freeway Chase

By Santee Pulse Staff · Published August 2, 2026 · 3 min read
Stolen-Vehicle Pursuit Ends After East County Freeway Chase
Photo: San Diego County Sheriff's Department / 10News

Two Los Angeles-area juveniles were arrested early Sunday after an allegedly stolen vehicle triggered a law enforcement pursuit through East County, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office account reported by City News Service and 10News.

Authorities said a sheriff's helicopter received a license plate reader alert around 1 a.m. for a vehicle traveling east on Interstate 8 from El Cajon. Deputies later confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen from the Redondo Beach area and attempted a traffic stop near Willows Road in Alpine.

The driver did not yield, and the vehicle reached speeds above 100 mph before exiting and re-entering westbound Interstate 8, according to the report. Deputies from the Alpine and Lakeside stations coordinated with California Highway Patrol officers during the pursuit.

CHP officers deployed tire-deflation devices before the Mollison Avenue exit. Authorities said both occupants ran from the moving vehicle, with the driver and passenger taken into custody shortly afterward.

No injuries were reported. Both juveniles were arrested on suspicion of evading a peace officer with disregard for public safety, auto theft and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to the Sheriff's Office account cited by 10News.

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