Three teenagers were arrested after they led El Cajon police on a chase that ended about an hour later when the driver lost control of the car in Chula Vista, authorities said.
The incident began when El Cajon police were notified of a stolen 2013 Hyundai Elantra by the city’s license plate reader system shortly after 1:30 a.m., said police Lt. Mike Murphy.
Police chased the car for about five minutes then ended the pursuit because the driver was driving too fast, Murphy said. A sheriff’s helicopter tracked the car’s movements for about an hour as it continued driving and headed south.
Eventually the driver lost control and stopped on Sweetwater Road in Chula Vista, ending up next to a wooden pole that prevented the driver from exiting the car out the driver’s side.
The driver, a 15-year-old boy, was arrested as he was trying to escape through the passenger-side door. Two other passengers in the car, a 15-year-old boy and 16-year-old boy, were detained as they were trying to run away.
The teens were arrested on suspicion of auto theft and possession of stolen property. The driver was also arrested on suspicion of evading arrest and wanton disregard for safety, police said.
The driver and one passenger with a prior criminal record were booked into Juvenile Hall, while the other passenger was released to a parent.
