Encinitas CA— The California Highway Patrol was investigating a hit and run on southbound Interstate 5 just south of the La Costa exit and quickly learned the vehicle involved in the hit and run was reported stolen out of the city of La Habra. The CHP asked for assistance from the Sheriff’s Department to search for the suspect that had fled the scene on foot. Several deputies responded to the area and assisted with the search of the suspect, but he was not located.
When the investigation ended, deputies from the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station remained in the area to continue the search for the suspect. Two deputies in the area spotted a Chrysler minivan driving at a high rate of speed without its headlights on. Deputies followed the vehicle onto the southbound Interstate 5.
At about this time Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from a person stating that an unknown male had entered their house while the victim was asleep. The male threatened the victim and demanded their vehicle keys. The victim gave the male the keys and he fled the residence. The stolen vehicle was the same vehicle that deputies were now following on the interstate.
CHP again became involved and began to pursue the stolen vehicle southbound on the Interstate 5. The vehicle merged onto the southbound Interstate 805 before entering northbound Interstate 15. The suspect abruptly stopped the stolen vehicle in the middle of traffic lanes on the interstate near the El Cajon Boulevard exit.
The male driver, later identified as Daniel Medina, threatened officers and deputies at the scene and resisted arrest before being taken into custody with the use of a Sheriff’s K-9. Medina was later booked on numerous charges related to this incident.