Alleged speeding chase
Investigators survey the crash scene in El Cajon. Photo credit: OnScene.TV

A driver suffered life-threatening injuries in El Cajon Sunday when he lost control of his car and it flipped while he was fleeing officers during a pursuit.

The chase began in Santee at 7:50 a.m., when a California Highway Patrol sergeant had attempted to stop a male suspected of speeding at Mission Gorge Road and state Route 52, according to OnScene.TV.

The motorist fled in a black Mercedes convertible at a high rate of speed, exceeding 100 mph as he approached state Route 67.

He continued to westbound Interstate 8 and exited the freeway at Main Street, where he almost hit a truck. The Mercedes sped through the intersection and onto an I-8 on-ramp before leaving the roadway and flipping upside down after hitting the curb.

Heartland firefighters used airbags to lift the vehicle and reach the driver, who suffered life-threatening injuries and is not expected to live. The CHP did not release his name, but said the man is a 59-year-old resident of El Cajon.

Alcohol may be involved, authorities said.

The CHP closed the on- and off-ramps for Main Street from westbound I-8 as an agency unit investigated the incident.