Man Injured After Pursuit In Stolen Jeep Ends In Crash In East County

SANTEE, CA — A man suspected of stealing a Jeep was injured after leading deputies on a short pursuit that ended in a crash in San Diego's East County, authorities said.

Deputies responded shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday to a report of a stolen 2020 Jeep Wrangler taken from the 10300 block of Molino Road in Santee, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

The vehicle was later spotted traveling east on Woodside Avenue. When deputies tried to stop the driver, the suspect failed to yield, prompting a brief pursuit, officials said.

The chase ended near North Magnolia Avenue and Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon when the driver lost control and crashed into several unoccupied parked vehicles.

The suspect, Jesus Tizoc-Ocon, 18, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was in stable condition, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities said he will be booked on suspicion of vehicle theft, evading a peace officer and possession of burglary tools after he is released from the hospital.

No deputies or bystanders were injured in the incident. The investigation was ongoing.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the Santee Sheriff's Station at 619-956-4000.