UPDATE: A suspected drunken driver was arrested following a chaotic series of crashes in Vista on Monday night. The 32-year-old man has been jailed on 19 charges, including DUI and hit-and-run, after allegedly causing multiple wrecks that resulted in property damage and injuries to bystanders.
The reckless driving spree began around 7:30 p.m. when the suspect crashed his pickup truck into a parked car and a steel gate at an apartment complex on Oak Drive near Foothill Drive. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver continued his destructive path, striking two more parked vehicles and a fire hydrant, all while driving on the wrong side of the road.
Authorities report that the driver’s reckless maneuvers forced several motorists to take evasive actions to avoid collisions. Lt. Noah Zarnow stated, “In an attempt to flee this scene, [the driver] reversed and then accelerated forward, ramming the victim’s vehicle to push it out of the way.” The victim sustained injuries and was treated by paramedics on the scene.
As the situation escalated, the pickup struck an oncoming minivan, causing significant damage and leaving its driver with minor injuries. Despite losing a front tire and sustaining heavy damage, the suspect continued driving until finally losing control. His vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a power pole in a neighborhood near Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.
The driver has been charged with multiple offenses, including reckless driving and driving with a suspended license, while authorities confirmed that he violated the terms of his probation.
This alarming incident highlights the serious dangers posed by impaired driving, leaving multiple victims in its wake. As investigations continue, local residents are left shaken by the events that unfolded in their community.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities assess the full impact of this reckless driving spree.