On September 5, 2021, at about 9:38 AM, the Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call of a robbery that occurred near the Walmart shopping center at 732 Center Drive, in the city of San Marcos. The victim called to report he was in a fight with three subjects who had stolen his wallet and cell phone. The Sheriff’s helicopter, ASTREA, was in the area and spotted the three suspects running away and enter a tan colored Chevrolet Tahoe. ASTREA was able to direct arriving deputies to the location of the Tahoe. The Tahoe started heading toward Nordahl Road when deputies initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. As the Tahoe turned left onto Nordahl Road, one of the three suspects jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to run away but was quickly detained by deputies.
The Tahoe with the two remaining suspects continued northbound on Nordahl Road and a traffic pursuit ensued. The Tahoe continued past Rock Springs Road at speeds of approximately 60 miles per hour when the driver lost control and collided with a utility box and wooden utility pole. The driver suffered moderate injuries and the passenger suffered major but non-life-threatening injuries. Both suspects were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for their injuries. The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. During the investigation, it was determined all the involved parties were affiliated with a criminal street gang.
All three suspects will be charged with 211 PC – Robbery, 245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 186.22(b)(1) PC – Promote/ Assist Criminal Street Gang, and the driver will be charged with 2800.2(a) CVC – Evading a Peace Officer with Wanton Disregard for Safety.
