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By Miriam RafteryJune 25, 2024 (El Cajon) — A man accused of ramming his vehicle into a tent occupied by a homeless man in El Cajon, then fleeing from police and ramming a police vehicle into a concrete barrier, has been arrested. Gabriel Quijas, 48, of Spring Valley is charged with assault with a deadly weapon on peace officers, and evading arrest with wanton disregard for safety.
Early yesterday morning at Prescott Promenade, 200 East Main St., El Cajon Police officers learned that the day before, “Quijas deliberately drove his vehicle into a tent occupied by a male homeless individual, following threats made to the victim,” says Lieutenant Will Guerin.
While officers were gathering statements, Quijas drove by the area in a Cadillac Escalade. Witnesses positively identified him as the suspect. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Quijas fled, prompting a pursuit, according to Guerin.
The pursuit led onto westbound Interstate 8, where Quijas “drove recklessly at high speeds,” says Guerin. “At one point, he abruptly stopped, nearly causing a collision with a pursuing police vehicle. Subsequently, he attempted to ram the police vehicle and force it into the freeway's concrete center divide barrier.”
Despite efforts by law enforcement to apprehend him, Quijas continued to evade officers, eventually exiting the freeway toward downtown San Diego. He brought his vehicle to a stop in front of the San Diego Police headquarters at 1401 Broadway and exited his vehicle.
“Quijas disregarded lawful commands from officers, prompting the use of a police canine to assist in his arrest,” Guerin states.
Guerin told ECM, "The victim and officers were not injured in the incident. The suspect had minor injuries and was treated and booked into jail."
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.
Comments
Random attack?