PROWLER ARRESTED BY LA MESA POLICE AFTER FLEEING, RAMMING POLICE CAR

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By Miriam Raftery

November 16, 2013 (La Mesa) – Paul Day, 49, of La Mesa has been arrested after leading La Mesa police on a pursuit that led through backyards and streets of La Mesa, ending after he reportedly rammed a police car and attempted to back the vehicle into two officers. 

The wild chase in pursuit of the alleged prowler comes just days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled  that a La Mesa Police officer should not be held liable for an accidental injury to a homeowner that occurred during a hot pursuit of a suspect into the resident’s yard.  

La Mesa Police received a call reporting a possible prowler in a backyard in the 6900 block of Wisconsin Avenue at 2:16 a.m.  Upon arrival, officers saw the suspect in the fenced yard of a home.  The suspect fled, jumping over fences and San Diego Police Department’s ABLE helicopter was called in to help with the pursuit.

The suspect got into his vehicle and sped down the 5400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. Reaching a dead end, he accelerated backward, colliding with a La Mesa Police vehicle.  He then drove forward into a driveway and stopped at a closed gate.  As officers approached on foot, the suspect again accelerated backwards, toward the two officers.

The officers jumped out of the way and the vehicle collided with a brick planter bed.  The suspect accelerated forward, crashed through a gated fence and came to stop at the back of a home.  He then fled on foot through foliage behind the residences, where officers caught up to him and arrested him.

This investigation is on-going. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the La Mesa Police Department. You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information in this case.

Day was charged with attempted burglary, driving under the influence, resisting arrest with violence, and assaulting a peace officer with a deadly weapon.


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