San Diego, February 11, 2026

A woman was arrested after leading police on a dangerous pursuit on San Diego highways, starting with a trailer theft. The chase involved multiple freeways and resulted in significant traffic disruptions. The suspect, who abandoned her vehicle while attempting to evade capture, faces serious charges including assault with a deadly weapon and felony evading. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported during the incident, though many commuters experienced delays during rush hour.

San Diego Woman Arrested After Leading Pursuit on I-15

San Diego, CA – A woman was arrested on February 10, 2026, after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase across San Diego highways, causing significant traffic disruptions. The incident began around 7:30 a.m. when police responded to a report of a trailer theft in the 7500 block of Balboa Avenue. Officers located the suspect’s Toyota 4Runner towing the stolen trailer and attempted to pull her over. The driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit that continued onto northbound state Route 163 and then southbound on I-15. During the chase, the SUV lost a rear tire, leading to a crash near Pomerado Road. The woman exited the vehicle with a dog and attempted to enter several other vehicles before being subdued by officers and taken into custody. No serious injuries were reported. The suspect is expected to face charges including assault with a deadly weapon, attempted carjacking, felony evading, multiple counts of hit-and-run, and vandalism on several police vehicles. All lanes on northbound I-15 at Miramar Way were blocked after the crash, with two southbound lanes also closed. A SigAlert was issued for the area, and motorists were advised to avoid the area and take alternative routes. By 9 a.m., northbound I-15 Express Lanes were open to all traffic, while traffic was also being diverted off the freeway at Miramar Way. Caltrans also set up a hard closure and diverted traffic from northbound I-15 NB to state Route 52. All lanes were reopened by 10:35 a.m.

Details of the Pursuit

The pursuit began when police responded to a report of a trailer theft in the 7500 block of Balboa Avenue. Officers located the suspect’s Toyota 4Runner towing the stolen trailer and attempted to pull her over. The driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit that continued onto northbound state Route 163 and then southbound on I-15. During the chase, the SUV lost a rear tire, leading to a crash near Pomerado Road. The woman exited the vehicle with a dog and attempted to enter several other vehicles before being subdued by officers and taken into custody. No serious injuries were reported, and the suspect is expected to face multiple serious charges.

Impact on Traffic

The pursuit and subsequent crash led to significant traffic disruptions on I-15. All lanes on northbound I-15 at Miramar Way were blocked after the crash, with two southbound lanes also closed. A SigAlert was issued for the area, and motorists were advised to avoid the area and take alternative routes. By 9 a.m., northbound I-15 Express Lanes were opened to all traffic, while traffic was being diverted off the freeway at Miramar Way. Caltrans set up a hard closure and diverted traffic from northbound I-15 NB to state Route 52. All lanes were reopened by 10:35 a.m.

Law Enforcement Response

Officers from the San Diego Police Department and the California Highway Patrol responded to the incident. The pursuit ended when the SUV lost a rear tire and crashed near Pomerado Road. The woman exited the vehicle with a dog and attempted to enter several other vehicles before being subdued by officers and taken into custody. No serious injuries were reported, and the ongoing investigation will assess the appropriateness of the police response.

Public Safety Considerations

High-speed pursuits, especially those involving stolen vehicles, present significant risks to public safety. They can lead to accidents, injuries, and substantial traffic disruptions. Law enforcement agencies must evaluate the balance between apprehending suspects and ensuring public safety. Community cooperation and adherence to traffic laws play a critical role in preventing such dangerous situations.

Community Impact

The community experienced significant disruptions due to the pursuit, with many commuters facing delays during the morning rush hour. The closure of multiple lanes on I-15 affected thousands of drivers, leading to increased travel times and stress. Concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement response during high-speed pursuits have been raised. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and work together to promote safer roadway conditions.

Legal Proceedings

The suspect is expected to face multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, attempted carjacking, felony evading, multiple counts of hit-and-run, and vandalism on several police vehicles. The legal process will determine the appropriate charges and potential penalties. The community is encouraged to follow the case through official channels for updates on legal proceedings and outcomes.

Preventative Measures

To prevent similar incidents in the future, law enforcement agencies are reviewing their pursuit policies and considering alternative methods of apprehending suspects that minimize risks to the public. Public education campaigns may also be implemented to raise awareness about the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement and the potential consequences. Community cooperation and adherence to traffic laws are crucial in maintaining public safety.

Conclusion

The arrest of the woman after leading a high-speed pursuit on I-15 highlights the significant risks associated with fleeing from law enforcement, both to the individual and the public. The incident caused substantial traffic disruptions and raised important questions about public safety and law enforcement practices. Ongoing investigations and legal proceedings will provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and its aftermath. The community is encouraged to support local law enforcement and engage in efforts to ensure safer roadways for everyone.