THREE MEN IN TRUNK OF VEHICLE INJURED AFTER DRIVER FLEES PINE VALLEY BORDER PATROL CHECKPOINT

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By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

April 24, 2018 (Descanso) – Three men in the trunk of an orange Mazda have sustained moderate to serious injuries after the driver failed to follow an order to pull over for a secondary inspection at the Border Patrol checkpoint in Pine Valley.   The driver fled through the checkpoint onto I-8 west at speeds over 100 miles per hour with Border Patrol officers in pursuit.

As the vehicle approached State Route 79 in Descanso, the driver tried to pass slower traffic on the left shoulder, but lost control, struck a post and plunged down a dirt embankment, then rolled over.

The vehicle sustained major damage, coming to rest on its wheels. The 18-year-old driver from San Diego sustained no injuries and is currently in custody with the United States Border Patrol. 

A 31-year-old man in the trunk was ejected and flown via Air Ambulance to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego with major injuries.  Two other passengers in the trunk, ages 19 and 27, sustained moderate injuries and were taken by ambulance to Sharp Memorial for treatment, says Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol

The United States Border Patrol is investigating the criminal portion of this investigation. Alcohol and or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in this collision at this time.


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