SUSPECTED THIEF ARRESTED AFTER CHASE FROM LEMON GROVE TO SAN DIEGO

East County News Service

January 29, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – John Deangelo Johnson, 18, was arrested Wednesday, Jan. 27 after a law enforcement pursuit that began in Lemon Grove and ended in Balboa Park.

A call shortly around 2:50 a.m. to the Sheriff’s dispatch reported a dirt bike theft on Loma Drive in Lemon Grove, according to Lt. Jim Emig. Deputies spotted a “suspicious vehicle,” a Dodge Durango SUV, leaving the area.The driver refused to stop for law enforcement and instead, fled onto State Route 84 and Interstate 805.

He later exited at University Avenue, leading deputies on a chase through City Heights and Balboa Park, where he drove onto a sidewalk and onto a dirt road.

He ultimately crashed onto a slope north of Pershing Drive and was arrested shortly after 3:30 a.m. 

Deputies found stolen tools in the SUV and also recovered the stolen dirt bike on Loma Drive, near where it had been taken.

Johnson, the suspect, was taken to a hospital after complaints of pain and was later booked into San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of felony evading arrest, possession of stolen property and a stolen vehicle.

His arraignment is set for February 19.