SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — At least one person was critically injured after a suspect drove a stolen vehicle onto the Pacific Beach boardwalk, according to the San Diego Police Department.
San Diego Police said the incident happened around 12:15 p.m. on the 700 block of Thomas Avenue.
Police said the owner of a Tesla called to report their vehicle stolen, telling authorities they were tracking the Tesla from their app.
Officers were able to locate the car on Mission Boulevard and initiated a stop. The suspect fled from police, and officers canceled the pursuit shortly before the car drove onto the boardwalk, police added.
The suspect hit a 25-year-old woman and a SDG&E transformer before fleeing on foot. The woman was taken to the hospital with major injuries, but police say they are not life-threatening.
Police believe the driver was under the influence. Bystanders chased the suspect to a nearby parking lot, got him to the ground, and held him there until officers arrived. Police then took him into custody.
Officials have identified the suspect as Juan Antonio Gonzaba, who was booked on charges including DUI, hit-and-run, vehicle theft and evading police officers.
Alex Srour was on his bike when the Tesla flew past him.
"I just hear somebody scream, Watch out, and I hear, I look behind me, I see a Tesla just flying going like 40 or 50 miles an hour," Srour said.
Srour was wearing Meta glasses that captured the moment on video, including the driver jumping out of the car and running away.
"I never expected this to happen to me. I never expected this at all. I never expected anyone to come down a boardwalk where people are walking and on their bicycles. People are oblivious even me on a bike I can't imagine a car," Srour said.
Nearby witness Ryan Liu also saw the Tesla race past.
"We were looking outside and we just saw a big flash of blue just dart down," Liu said.
Liu described the scene that followed.
"It was insanely scary. I've never seen so many people, um, yeah, so distraught before," Liu said.
This is a developing story. ABC 10News will continue to keep you updated as soon as we receive more information.
