VISTA (CNS) - A suspected drunken driver was in custody Saturday after authorities said he intentionally struck several pedestrians and a car at random in Vista.
The man, who was driving a white Ford Explorer, was involved in at least five hit-and-run crashes, most involving pedestrians on Friday.
The first crash was reported at 5 p.m. in an Albertsons parking lot in the 1300 block of East Vista Way where deputies found a pedestrian who was struck and complaining of pain to a shoulder and his hips, according to Sgt. L. Whalen of the San Diego Sheriff's Department. The man was taken to a hospital for his injuries, he said.
While deputies investigated the scene, two other hit-and-run calls came out within five minutes in the same general area, Whalen said. These calls included another vehicle versus pedestrian and a vehicle versus vehicle collision and all three involved the white Ford Explorer as a possible suspect vehicle.
The pedestrian victim in the second crash was airlifted to Palomar Medical Center with significant head and leg injuries, Whalen said.
While investigating the vehicle collision, deputies identified 26-year- old Michael Dorman of Vista as the driver of the SUV.
Moments later, another hit-and-run crash was reported at 500 Hacienda Drive in Vista, where two pedestrians were hit by a white SUV.
Witnesses said the driver intentionally swerved to hit the pedestrians, who were transported to Palomar Medical Center for complaints of pain and minor injuries.
Another vehicle was reported to have been intentionally side-swiped by Dorman on Vista Village Drive while he was driving at a high rate of speed, Whalen said.
Deputies attempted to contact Dorman in the area of Anza Drive and Ishihara Road but he fled at a high rate of speed and deputies initiated a pursuit.
The pursuit lasted about 15 minutes through Vista and Oceanside, in which Dorman hit at least two vehicles and a tree in an attempt to evade capture, Whalen said.
Deputies were finally able to detain Dorman at 6:39 p.m. in the 4700 block of Driftwood Way in Oceanside.
Dorman was believed to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was booked into the Vista Detention Facility, Whalen said.
