A 24-year-old motorist and his 19-year-old male passenger were both in custody Wednesday following a high-speed pursuit through the East County that ended when the suspects’ vehicle crashed down an embankment, authorities said.
Erick Talavera was driving a white Toyota Tacoma with no rear license plate light when he was pulled over by a deputy at Greenfield Drive and North First Street in unincorporated El Cajon around 10:50 p.m. Tuesday, according to San Diego Sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Martinez.
Mario Lozano was in the pickup’s passenger seat, Martinez said in a statement.
“As the deputy exited his vehicle, (Talavera) sped off, which started the pursuit and other deputies joined in to assist,” Martinez said. “During the pursuit, (Talavera and Lozano) began throwing objects out the window toward the pursing deputies.”
The pursuit continued through Lakeside, state Route 67, the city of El Cajon, the city of San Diego and the city of La Mesa. It ended when the pickup struck a guard rail on the Lake Murray on-ramp to Interstate 8 and went down an embankment.
Talavera was Tasered while being taken into custody, Martinez said, without elaboration. He was taken to a hospital to treat facial injuries from the crash before being taken to jail.
Lozano was arrested without incident.
Both men face multiple charges, Martinez said, adding that a “bindle” of methamphetamine was found in the wrecked pickup.
—City News Service
