The non-injury chase began a few blocks away from where it ended at 9th Avenue and C Street shortly after 5 a.m., said San Diego police Officer Brad Ruff.

The suspect pulled over for a traffic stop, then took off while a patrolman was running a license and registration check, Ruff said.

Crews quickly shut off the water jetting from the sheared hydrant and removed the stolen vehicle from some trolley tracks, where it came to rest following the pursuit, according to Ruff.