SYNOPSIS OR SUMMARY OF INCIDENT
On Thursday at about 7:45PM, deputies from the Vista Gang Enforcement Team attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a blue Honda Civic for unsafe speeds at Civic Center Dr. and Sierra Verde in the city of Vista. The vehicle, driven by Francisco Castro (DOB 02/16/2000), failed to yield resulting in a vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, several objects were thrown out of the window including illegal drugs and a black handgun. The black handgun was later recovered and upon further inspection was found to be a paintball gun. The Honda also struck another vehicle’s side view mirror causing minor damage but no injuries to any of the occupants.
The 30-minute pursuit travelled through the cities of Vista and San Marcos, as well as the SR 78, SR76 and I15 freeways. The Sheriff’s helicopter unit, ASTREA, arrived and assisted deputies in tracking the vehicle until the vehicle came to a stop on its own just north of the Lilac Bridge on south bound I15 freeway. Castro and a passenger in the vehicle, Maribel Mora (DOB 03/24/1989), were taken into custody without further incident.
Castro was arrested for two outstanding felony warrants, Reckless Evading, Hit and Run, and Possession of Methamphetamine. Mora was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant. Both were booked into custody at the Vista Detention Facility.
