Driver arrested after van hits, injures three outside Encinitas bar

Two people hurt holding suspect before deputies’ arrival

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Emergency lights. (Ariel Camilo, FreeImages)

North Coast Current

San Diego County sheriff’s deputies arrested a man after he reportedly drove a van into three people outside a downtown Encinitas bar early Sunday, March 1.

The three were seriously injured, authorities reported. One victim was transported to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido for treatment. The other two were taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

Witnesses detained the driver until authorities arrived, according to a Sheriff’s Department incident report. Deputies from the North Coastal Station in Encinitas were called to the scene outside The Saloon bar, 540 S. Coast Highway 101, at about 1:20 a.m.

Deputies arrested the man, identified by authorities as Christian Dwight Davis, 28.

Two people suffered minor injuries while detaining Davis, according to the incident report. They were transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas for treatment.

South Coast Highway 101 was closed between D and E streets Sunday morning as authorities investigated the scene.

The incident occurred after Davis had been asked to leave the bar because of his level of intoxication, authorities stated. Davis then allegedly got into a small U-Haul van and drove it onto the sidewalk in front of the bar, hitting the three victims.

Sheriff’s Department jail booking records show that Davis faces three attempted first-degree murder charges and one charge of attempted escape with force. He is being held at the Vista Detention Facility pending arraignment Tuesday.

The investigation into the incident is still underway, the Sheriff’s Department stated.

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