Police Use Less-Lethal Force to End Stolen Vehicle Pursuit in National City
Just after midnight on June 11, San Diego Police officers pursued a stolen vehicle through parts of Southeast San Diego and into National City, ending in the parking lot of a Super 8 Motel with the suspect in custody.
Officers initially identified the vehicle without aid from license plate recognition systems, instead confirming it visually during routine patrol. When they attempted to stop the driver, he fled, leading a chase that briefly included eastbound SR-54 and multiple surface streets such as Sweetwater Road.
The suspect made a strange detour through a 7-Eleven parking lot—twice—before pulling into the rear lot of the Super 8 Motel at 2435 Sweetwater Road. Despite several marked units behind him and ABLE circling overhead, the man remained in the car for a short time before finally exiting.
However, officers reported that he was not following instructions and repeatedly reached into his waistband. Fearing the possibility of a concealed weapon, police used less-lethal munitions to bring him down safely. He was then taken into custody without further resistance.
The suspect’s injuries were minor and he refused medical attention. No officers were injured. The investigation into the vehicle theft remains ongoing.
