3 Teens Arrested After Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Through San Diego County: Police

EL CAJON, CA — Three teenagers were arrested after crashing a stolen car at the end of a police pursuit through San Diego County, authorities said.

Officers responded at 1:37 a.m. Sunday to an Automated License Plate Recognition alert and found the stolen vehicle in El Cajon, according to the El Cajon Police Department. Police tried to stop the car, but it fled and a pursuit was initiated.

A sheriff's helicopter tracked the vehicle for about an hour as it sped through the county, police said. The vehicle eventually lost control and crashed into a wooden pole on Sweetwater Road in Chula Vista.

"The driver, unable to exit the car through the driver's door, was arrested as he attempted to flee out the passenger door," the department said in a news release. "The two passengers fled on foot but were later apprehended after being monitored by the helicopter."

The teens were arrested on suspicion of auto theft and possession of stolen property, police said. The driver was also charged with evading arrest and disregard for safety. The driver and one passenger with a previous criminal record were booked into Juvenile Hall. The third teen was released to a parent.