3 Teens Involved In Car Theft, Police Pursuit In East County: Police

EL CAJON, CA — Three teens are suspected of stealing a car, leading police on a pursuit, and crashing the vehicle in San Diego's East County, authorities said Thursday.

The pursuit began around 11:20 p.m. Wednesday after police received a call about three people who appeared to be breaking into a vehicle and then stealing it at 815 North Mollison in El Cajon, according to the El Cajon Police Department. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but it fled the scene.

"As the vehicle sped away, a handgun was thrown out of the car, which other responding officers quickly recovered," police Lt. Will Guerin said. "After a brief pursuit, the vehicle crashed into a dirt embankment as it exited the freeway."

Police caught two of the teens, but the third suspect was not found, Guerin said.

The vehicle was stolen out of San Diego, Guerin said. The teens were also suspected of an earlier theft at Dick's Sporting Goods in El Cajon, where more than $1,000 in merchandise was stolen.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the El Cajon Police Department at 619-579-3311. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling the San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.