Deputy Hurt Chasing Suspect After Traffic Stop In East County

LAKESIDE, CA – A 41-year-old man with an outstanding warrant was arrested Monday in Lakeside after he fled from a vehicle that was pulled over for running a stop sign, leading to a chase that left a deputy injured.

Deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's Lakeside Station were conducting a traffic enforcement about 2:15 p.m. at the intersection of Ashwood Street and Willows Road and saw a vehicle run a stop sign while traveling south on Ashwood Street.

"Deputies pulled over the vehicle about a quarter-mile down the road next to El Capitan High School," sheriff's Sgt. Tim Chantler said. "A male passenger ran out of the vehicle and jumped the fence entering school grounds."

The school, which was releasing students at the time, was locked down, Chantler said.

Deputies quickly caught up to the suspect, who peacefully surrendered a short distance away, the sergeant said.

"It was determined the male passenger had a warrant for his arrest," Chantler said. "A sheriff's handler and his K-9 partner conducted an `article search' of the area where the suspect ran and located a methamphetamine pipe."

The suspect, identified as Benito Villa, was arrested and booked on suspicion of trespassing, resisting a peace officer and possession of drug paraphernalia, Chantler said.

"During the incident, a deputy injured his leg and was transported to the hospital," Chantler said. "The extent of the injury is unknown at this time."

By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock