Pursuit suspect accused of driving SUV through California homeless man’s tent arrested

A man accused of driving an SUV through a homeless man’s tent before leading officers on a high-speed pursuit, from El Cajon to downtown San Diego, was arrested Monday, police said.

A few hours before the pursuit, officers received a report that a 48-year-old Spring Valley man in a Cadillac Escalade allegedly got into an argument with a homeless man and threatened the victim on East Street near Magnolia Avenue, Lt. Will Guerin said. He then used his SUV to run over the tent, police said.

No injuries were reported.

While officers were on the scene gathering statements the following morning, the suspect drove by the area in his Cadillac around 5:50 a.m. and witnesses identified the vehicle to police at the scene.

The officers attempted to pull the driver over, but he refused, Guerin said. He drove away from the officers and a pursuit began.

The chase reached high speeds and headed west on Interstate 8, Guerin said. At one point, the driver stopped abruptly and nearly caused a crash with a pursuing police vehicle. He then allegedly tried to ram the officer’s vehicle.

Investigators said the SUV exited the freeway in downtown San Diego and headed toward San Diego police headquarters. He stopped in front of the building on Broadway near 14th Street.

The man got out of his vehicle and ignored commands from officers, Guerin said. Police used a K9 unit to help arrest the driver.

He was booked into jail on multiple allegations, including assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and evading arrest with wanton disregard for safety.

The incident is under investigation.