Posted on 01/01/2008 12:34:33 AM PST by BenLurkin
SAN DIEGO (CBS) ― A possibly drunk driver was critically injured in a 200-foot jump from the Coronado Bridge Monday following a high-speed chase that began in Oceanside, according to media reports.
The incident began about 7 p.m. when an Oceanside police officer saw the man driving erratically on the San Diego (5) Freeway, according to KCAL 9.
The suspect sped away when the officer attempted to stop him for suspicion of driving under the influence, prompting a vehicle pursuit, in which the man ran red lights and struck another vehicle, KCAL 9 reported.
The chase ended at the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, where the man got out of his pickup and allegedly moved towards the officers, KCAL 9 reported.
"The dog did attempt to bite the driver – it was my view that the dog actually took the driver to the ground and he actually lifted the dog up and jumped over the side. So both the driver and the dog went over the side," said California Highway Patrol Sgt. Steven Toth.
The man survived the jump and was hospitalized in critical condition, but the dog died, according to KCAL 9.
Hundreds of vehicles were stuck on the bridge while drivers waited for the suspect's vehicle to be towed, KCAL 9 reported.
The driver could face charges for the death of a police dog, as well as felony hit and run for the vehicle he struck during the chase.
Sad to lose a good dog. May God have mercy on the man’s soul. I would have none.
Tell me who you are, then, so I can start worshipping you.
Worship God, who has mercy on fallible human beings. I am one.
Mmmm. San Diego? Drunk motorist who jumps off a 200-foot bridge to escape? 9:2 odds he’s an illegal from Mexico.
That’s bad enough.
But, killing the dog while he’s at it? He’s lucky it wasn’t my dog he killed.
Just saying.
Very Sad. He was doing his job. Prayers for his partner...
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