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ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A high-speed pursuit from Riverside County ended on southbound Interstate 15 near Escondido Tuesday, prompting road closures and traffic delays ahead of the morning commute.
According to California Highway Patrol, the pursuit began after a suspected carjacking in the city of Hemet. Hemet police broadcasted to other law enforcement to “be on the look-out” for the suspect, who was in a stolen Toyota Camry.
Murrieta police officers later observed the Toyota Camry and attempted to make a traffic enforcement stop, CHP said. However, the suspect failed to yield and fled, making his way southbound on I-15.
Speeds fluctuated from about 60 miles per hour to upwards of 100 miles per hour as the driver made his way down to San Diego County, according to CHP. When he reached San Diego County, a spike strip was used near Gopher Canyon Road, deflating the front two wheels of the Toyota.
As the vehicle neared Deer Springs Road, the Toyota was observed by CHP officers veering left into the center divider, striking the median wall. According to CHP, the vehicle then turned to the right, crossing all traffic lanes.
The Toyota came to a rest facing southbound on the right shoulder after striking the K-rail wall near the Deer Springs Road exit, CHP said.
Murrieta police and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department deputies conducted a felony stop on the Toyota after the vehicle was stationary. However, CHP says the driver did not provide a response, prompting them to approach the vehicle.
Upon contact, officers observed the driver had died from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to CHP. The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed.
The right two lanes were blocked off by CHP for an on-scene investigation. No additional details were immediately available about the pursuit or the carjacking incident that prompted it.
Major traffic delays for southbound drivers occurred as a result of the incident. According to SigAlert.com, traffic appeared to have been backed up as far as Rainbow Valley Boulevard.
As of 8 a.m., a SigAlert remains in place. Traffic delays upwards of 30 minutes are expected.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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