Collision Investigation in Santee 

January 9, 2024 - San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that the information provided here is preliminary and may later change as the investigation continues.

An investigation is underway into a collision involving a Sheriff's Department vehicle in Santee. It happened on Monday, January 8, 2024, shortly after 11:30 a.m. at the intersection of Mission Gorge Road and North Magnolia Avenue.

A deputy was driving back to Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility from Alvarado Hospital Medical Center in the College area with an incarcerated individual.

At some point during the commute, the individual in the backseat became aggressive and worked her way out of her seat belt restraint. She began kicking the rear passenger window in an attempt to escape custody. The deputy expedited their return to Las Colinas by activating his vehicle's emergency equipment. The deputy collided with a black Honda while turning onto Mission Gorge Road.

Deputies from the Santee Sheriff's Station responded to the scene to assist with the incident. The deputy involved in the collision was not hurt. The incarcerated person was taken to a hospital for a complaint of pain and released a short time later with no injuries. The driver of the Honda was not injured. The passenger of the Honda sustained an leg abrasion.

Juliette Espinoza (21) was initially booked into Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility on January 6, 2024, on drug related charges. She was booked on a new charge of attempting to escape (4532(B)(1) PC in connection with Monday's incident.

The Sheriff's Department will continue to investigate the collision and will provide updated information as it becomes available. The Sheriff's Department takes every collision investigation seriously and will fully review the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department