A slow-speed pursuit that began just after midnight on Friday in San Diego’s Mid-City area ended peacefully in La Mesa after a man believed to be armed with a knife gave up without incident. San Diego Police initially tried to stop the man for what was later upgraded to an assault with a deadly weapon incident, known as a 245 PC. The suspect, reportedly suffering from bipolar disorder and off his medication, led officers on a meandering route eastbound on El Cajon Boulevard, onto I-8 East, then south on the 125, and west on the 94. The chase, described by officers as mostly below the speed limit, continued through city streets where officers ultimately decided to turn off their emergency lights and sirens in hopes the suspect would pull over voluntarily. Officers successfully deployed spike strips at University Avenue, causing the suspect to drive on rims before he finally stopped in a healthcare clinic parking lot in La Mesa. During a standoff that lasted around 15 minutes, the man spoke on the phone and placed his knife on the dashboard. When he eventually got out of the car, he was heard yelling about hearing voices and being confused by multiple officers shouting commands at once. Officers recognized this and switched to a single officer giving clear commands. This helped de-escalate the situation, and the man was taken into custody without resistance. Local cop watchers on scene urged police not to use force, and no injuries were reported.
Slow-Speed Pursuit of Armed Man Ends in Peaceful Surrender in La Mesa
