Car Drives Off Cliff, Lands On Beach In Carlsbad After Called-Off Police Pursuit

CARLSBAD, CA — A driver crashed their car over a cliff following a called-off police pursuit Monday in northern San Diego County, authorities said.

A police officer saw the vehicle crash into a fence around 4 p.m. at Carlsbad's Fleet Maintenance Department in the 2400 block of Impala Drive, according to the Carlsbad Police Department. The vehicle fled the scene, prompting a police pursuit that was later called off at Palomar Airport Road just west of Avenida Encinas because of safety concerns.

Shortly after the pursuit was stopped, officers saw the vehicle speed up and drive off the roadway in the 5500 block of Carlsbad Boulevard, according to the department. The vehicle went over a cliff and landed on the beach.

The driver suffered "significant injuries" and was taken to the hospital, police said. Although the driver sustained life-threatening injuries, they are expected to survive.

Police do not believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash. No other information was released about the driver.

Anyone with information about the crash was asked to contact the department at 442-339-2115.