Crime & Safety

Update: Stolen Car Suspect Doused Self With Gasoline During Pursuit

Authorities said 32-year-old Oscar Torres has been booked for burglary and vehicle theft.

Updated at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 14

A burglary suspect who was taken into custody Monday afternoon had black paint on his face and arms, and doused himself with gasoline during a stolen vehicle pursuit on Old Julian Highway, according to the Sheriff's Department.

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Oscar Torres of Chula Vista, was reported entering several residences near the 17000 block of Ridgeview Lane.

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Torres allegedly stole a Ford F-150 truck from one of the driveaways and left, prompting deputies to search for the vehicle. They found the truck traveling eastbound on Main Street toward Julian, according to authorities.

The county's ASTREA and canine units were requested and the deputies followed the vehicle to conduct a vehicle stop, the sheriff's department said.

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During the pursuit, authorities reported Torres throwing objects out of the vehicle, including a towel he lit on fire. Deputies also said the suspect doused himself with gasoline.

A spike strip was deployed and the suspect pulled over on state Route 78 around 4 p.m., the Sheriff's Department said.

Ramona Fire Department/Cal Fire Station 80 said one of their engines was called to the site of arrest, but that the call was canceled before the engine could make it to the site.

Intermountian Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Kevin Long told Patch that the incident was initially dispatched as a vehicle fire.

Torres refused to exit the vehicle, according to the sheriff's department, and chemical agents along with a sheriff's canine were deployed.

"Intermountain's Fire Chief Jeremy Christofferson and engine 7825 continued in and treated the patient, who was subsequently released to the sheriffs officers," stated Long in an email.

Long said the suspect was treated for "cuts, bruises and abrasions."

The Sheriff's Department said Torres was taken into custody and later transported to Pomerado Hospital for a medical evaluation.

Authorities said Torres was arrested and booked into the San Diego Central Jail for residential burglary and vehicle theft.

Updated at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 14

After a pursuit through Ramona late Monday afternoon, a suspect of a stolen vehicle was treated for "cuts, bruises and abrasions" and released to authorities, Intermountain Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Kevin Long told Patch.

Ramona Fire Department/Cal Fire Station 80 said one of their engines was called to the site of arrest, but that the call was canceled before the engine could make it to the site.

"Intermountain's Fire Chief Jeremy Christofferson and engine 7825 continued in and treated the patient, who was subsequently released to the sheriffs officers," said Long in an email.

Deputies were investigating the pursuit, which began after a call was made in Ramona at 3 p.m. about a suspicious car. The actual pursuit by deputies began at 3:40 p.m. and ended around 4 p.m. just east of Old Julian Highway, according to the sheriff's department.

Authorities told Patch orginally that no injuries occurred, but Long said the suspect was treated for "cuts, bruises and abrasions" and then was released to the authorities.

Long also told Patch that the incident was initially dispatched as a vehicle fire.

No information yet about the suspect or vehicle has been released by the Sheriff's Department who is investigating the incident.

Original story:

A pursuit of a stolen vehicle ended with a suspect in custody late Monday afternoon, according to authorities.

The Sheriff's Department told Patch deputies were following a suspicious car Monday afternoon after a report of the stolen vehicle was called in at 3 p.m. from Ramona. An exact location was not given.

The Sheriff's Department said that the pursuit started at 3:40 p.m. and ended around 4 p.m. just east of Old Julian Highway.

Ramona Fire Department/Cal Fire Station 80 said one of their engines was called to the site of arrest, but that the call was canceled before the engine could make it to the site.

Residents reported hearing reports of a crash at the pursuit site via Cal Fire scanner on Ramona Patch's Facebook page, but the sheriff's department told Patch they didn't know of any collision. They did not say what caused the pursuit to end, just that the suspect surrendered.

Deputies were investigating the pursuit and no injuries occurred, authorities said.

No information yet about the suspect or vehicle has been released by the Sheriff's Department.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.