Sentencing Postponed in Car Chase

Sentencing was postponed today to May 23 for a young man who rammed a sheriff's patrol car before leading authorities on a pursuit from Poway to 4S Ranch.

John Joseph Canning III, 21, pleaded guilty in March to assault on a peace officer and evading police with reckless driving. He faces a maximum of five years and eight months in prison.

A sheriff's deputy responded to a call about a silver Lexus circling the Wal-Mart parking lot at 13425 Community Road in a suspicious manner about 9:20 p.m. Feb. 23.

When the deputy approached the Lexus, the driver accelerated rapidly in reverse and struck the passenger side of the deputy's patrol vehicle, said San Diego County sheriff's Sgt. Keith Griggs.

Canning then drove northbound through the parking lot and onto Community Road with the deputy in pursuit, Gregg said, adding that the chase ended in 4S Ranch about five minutes later when it became too dangerous and deputies eventually lost sight of the Lexus.

Officials said the pursuit reached speeds of 90 to 95 mph.

About 2:40 a.m., authorities went to a home on Via Bergamo in Torrey Highlands and arrested Canning, who had taken his parent's Lexus without permission.

Canning had two passengers in the car, a man who got out before the Lexus left the Wal-Mart parking lot and a woman who got out sometime during the chase and called 911.

City News Service contributed to this article.