High-Speed Pursuit of Parolees Ends in Casa de Oro

Two parolees were back behind bars today following a wild high-speed pursuit in which law enforcement was led around San Diego at speeds of up to 90 mph.

Steven Gardner, 28, and his girlfriend, 33-year-old Yvonne Casillas, were arrested following a high-speed pursuit that began around 10 p.m. Tuesday at a hotel in National City, according to the National City Police Department.

Officers had the hotel surrounded when the pair got in a stolen car that was under surveillance and drove away, with Casillas behind the wheel, police said.

"We had blocked off the exits. However (Casillas) ... broke through our barricades over the embankment, leading units on a pursuit throughout San Diego," said NCPD Sgt. Julian Villagomez.

Casillas eventually lost control of the stolen car and spun out in Casa de Oro, Villagomez said, noting that no one was injured, though Casillas was led off on a stretcher after she allegedly faked a seizure.

Gardner bailed on foot at the end of the vehicle pursuit but was quickly captured, Villagomez said.

Gardner is wanted by state parole agents for violating the terms of his release. According to San Diego Crime Stoppers, Gardner is a second-striker with a history that includes burglary, grand theft and drug-related charges.

Casillas' criminal history includes multiple auto thefts and assault with a deadly weapon.

–City News Service