Woman Driving Stolen Pickup Crashes Into Patrol Vehicle: Police

ESCONDIDO, CA – A woman driving a stolen pickup truck crashed into a patrol vehicle Tuesday in Escondido, police announced Wednesday.

The pickup collided with the marked patrol vehicle around 9:30 p.m., according to the Escondido Police Department. Escondido police Officer Joseph Putulowski was driving south on Midway Drive near the intersection of Washington Avenue when the driver of the truck, later identified as 23-year-old Brittany James, lost control, entered opposing traffic lanes and collided with the patrol vehicle.

James tried to run away but was apprehended nearby, Escondido police Lt. Michael Kearney said. She and Putulowski were transported to Palomar Medical Center, where they were both treated for minor injuries and later released.

James was booked on suspicion of auto theft and hit and run with injury.

Kearney said alcohol or drugs was not considered to be a contributing factor in the collision, but during the course of the investigation, two separate DUI drivers were arrested when they encountered the scene. Both drivers were booked into the Vista Detention Facility.

The investigation is ongoing. Witnesses are asked to contact Officer Tom Venable at 760-839-4483. Anonymous tips can be submitted at 760-743-TIPS (8477) or police.escondido.org.

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