Drive Carefully. Police Chases Happening Weekly on Nearby Roadways
Suspect Out on Bail Arrested in Spring Valley After Road Rage Incident and Vehicle Pursuit in La Mesa
San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, shortly after 7 p.m., Vernon Leslie Harris IV (40) became involved in a verbal dispute with another male regarding his driving behavior on Par Drive in unincorporated La Mesa. During the incident, Harris observed the victim photographing his pickup truck with a cellphone. Harris exited his vehicle, approached the victim, forcibly took the cellphone from the victim’s hand, and fled the scene.
Deputies responded and used tracking information to locate the victim’s phone in the 400 block of El Cajon Boulevard in the city of El Cajon. Deputies observed Harris’ pickup truck and attempted a traffic stop. Harris failed to yield, and a vehicle pursuit ensued.
The pursuit lasted more than 1 hour and 40 minutes, during which Harris ran at least one stop sign and one red light and swerved across multiple traffic lanes. The pursuit covered approximately 50 miles and reached speeds up to 60 mph. With assistance from allied law enforcement agencies, deputies deployed three tire deflation devices, successfully bringing the pursuit to a peaceful end.
Harris was arrested on suspicion of robbery, evading a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, and committing a felony while out on bail. He was transported to the San Diego Central Jail.
Anyone with further information regarding this incident is urged to call the San Diego Sheriff's Rancho San Diego Station at (619) 660-7090.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
Vehicle Pursuit in Spring Valley
One man was arrested after a vehicle pursuit
On Saturday, October 24, just after midnight, deputies from the San Diego Sheriff's Rancho San Diego Station responded to the 9300 block of Michelle Court in Spring Valley reference a disturbance. Prior to the deputies' arrival, they received information that a male at the location had an active felony arrest warrant.
Upon the deputies' arrival, a male later identified as Anthony Dotson (DOB 01/05/1990) quickly exited the residence, entered a vehicle and drove away at a high rate of speed.
Believing that Dotson was the male with the warrant, the deputies activated their overhead emergency lights and sirens and pursued him. During the pursuit, Dotson drove with disregard for himself and the public.
Dotson later lost control of his vehicle on the 9800 block of Austin Drive in Spring Valley and collided into an unoccupied parked vehicle. Dotson then fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by deputies. Dotson sustained minor injuries from the vehicle collision and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
A records check of Dotson revealed he had an active felony arrest warrant out of Los Angeles County. Dotson was arrested for his warrant, felony evading and driving under the influence. No other injuries or property damage were reported.
Media Contact: Sergeant Steven Sepulveda | October 24, 2026 | Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station (619) 660-7079
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