Photo by Alexander Nguyen
Photo by Alexander Nguyen

A routine traffic stop turned into a high-speed pursuit Saturday for Carlsbad Police, who ended up arresting an ex-convict from Oceanside after he tossed a loaded gun and drugs out the window.

Officers attempted to pull over a black Honda Civic on eastbound Poinsettia Lane shortly before 11 a.m., police said.

The driver did not stop for officers, then threw a large amount of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol out of the car window before taking off at a high rate of speed on northbound Interstate 5, according to Carlsbad Police Sgt. Mike Larson.

A spike strip deployed on Carlsbad Village Drive caused the car to come to a stop as the driver was exiting the freeway, Larson said.

The driver — identified only as a 33-year-old Oceanside resident — was arrested without further incident.

He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of felony evading, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for sale, being a felon in possession of a firearm and other drug crimes, Larson said.

— City News Service

Chris Jennewein is founder and senior editor of Times of San Diego.