Driver arrested after deputies say he ‘intentionally’ struck vehicles in Vista

A pickup driver was arrested Wednesday after he “intentionally” crashed into several vehicles in Vista, starting with striking one in a drive-thru and continuing as he led deputies on a chase, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The incident started just after 2 p.m. near West Vista Way and Emerald Drive, near state Route 78, according to a news release.

Sgt. Eric Cottrell said the 44-year-old driver “deliberately” rammed a Toyota Tundra into a vehicle in a Starbucks drive-thru. Cottrell did not say what preceded the incident.

As the pickup driver fled, the sergeant said, the driver “intentionally crashed” into a second vehicle, this one at West Vista Way and Emerald. He then fled again.

When deputies tried to make contact, the driver led them on a chase, “intentionally crashing into several more vehicles,” Cottrell said.

The pursuit ended when the Tundra became disabled at Valencia Drive, but the driver tried to run away. Cottrell said deputies caught him in the center median just east of Valencia. They used a restraint device known as a WRAP to get him into custody.

Cottrell said five vehicles were struck in total, and the Vista Fire Department responded to multiple scenes to treat multiple victims, all of whom sustained minor injures.

The pickup driver was taken to a hospital, then was to be booked into jail on suspicion of several felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon. His booking information, including bail amount, was not immediately available on the jail’s website.