CARLSBAD, Calif. – On Nov. 4, 2024, at approximately 4:01 p.m., a City of Carlsbad Police Officer observed a vehicle crash into the fence surrounding the City of Carlsbad’s Fleet Maintenance Department in the 2400 block of Impala Drive. Following the collision, the vehicle fled the scene recklessly, prompting officers to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to stop, resulting in a police pursuit which was eventually cancelled by the primary police officer at Palomar Airport Road just west of Avenida Encinas due to safety concerns.
Shortly after the pursuit was discontinued, officers saw the vehicle accelerate at a high rate of speed and driving off the roadway in the 5500 block of Carlsbad Blvd., where it went over a cliff ultimately landing on the beach. Officers immediately called for medical assistance and descended the cliff on foot to provide lifesaving measures. The driver was treated on scene by Carlsbad Fire Department personnel for significant injuries and was subsequently transported to a hospital for further medical care. The driver sustained life-threatening injuries but is expected to survive.
At this time, the cause of the incident remains under investigation, though initial findings suggest that drugs and alcohol were not factors in the collision.
The Carlsbad Police Department is seeking additional witnesses who may have observed this incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the department at 442-339-2115.
For more information
Gary Marshall, Police Lieutenant, gary.marshall@carlsbadca.gov
