Man in stolen Tesla speeds down San Diego boardwalk before trying to flee, then people he almost ran down start chasing him
A man who was filmed hurtling down the Pacific Beach boardwalk in San Diego in a Tesla he’s been accused of stealing has been arrested by police after the vehicle struck and critically injured one woman. Other bystanders who witnessed the carnage chased down the suspect, with the whole thing being captured on Meta glasses worn by one of the chasers.
San Diego police responded to reports of a stolen Tesla around 12:20 p.m. on Monday. Shortly after, officers located the vehicle and attempted to get the driver to stop. The driver reportedly tried to escape the police, resulting in a dangerous police chase through the streets, with the driver ending up on the boardwalk.
The 39-year-old man was suspected of driving under the influence and stealing a blue Tesla, which was subsequently driven onto the crowded boardwalk on Monday afternoon. Shocking footage obtained by NBC San Diego shows pedestrians jumping out of the way as the car speeds along seemingly without any regard for the people who might get hurt.
One 25-year-old woman was seriously hurt after she was struck by the car around 12:40 p.m. The woman was rushed to the hospital and reportedly suffered injuries all over her body, including two fractured right ribs, two fractured vertebrae, and a laceration to her abdomen that required stitches, according to the San Diego Police Department.
The Tesla driver was apprehended by witnesses at the scene
Police later identified the suspected drunk driver as Juan Antonio Gonzaba. After Gonzaba drove the stolen vehicle onto the boardwalk, the police pursuit was terminated for fear of the safety of bystanders. However, the driver continued to speed down the path, ultimately stopping the vehicle outside the Baja Beach Cafe and attempting to flee on foot.
It was here that bystanders stepped in to make sure that Gonzaba could not flee the scene of the crime. Alex Srour, who narrowly avoided being knocked off his bike by the suspect, gave chase along with other bystanders. Footage from Srour’s Meta glasses showed him chasing Gonzaba before the man fell to the ground.
Speaking to Kare11, Srour said, “I kind of had a feeling he was going to run because, like, he gets out of his car, I’m just thinking, like, this guy’s gonna run. So I instantly, you know, I just step in.” At the end of the chase, Srour is seen standing over the suspect, who appears to plead with him as other pedestrians help detain him until the police arrive on the scene.
Police have initially blocked off the area of the boardwalk where the incident took place, but it was open once more by 4 p.m. The incident is still being investigated by authorities.
(Featured image: Alex H Srour)
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