Carjacking in Vista 

April 17, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that detectives have arrested a 62-year-old man in connection with a violent carjacking that left a local man with severe injuries earlier this month.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at approximately 8:00 a.m., a forceful carjacking occurred in a parking lot within the 100 block of Eucalyptus Avenue in the City of Vista. A male and female victim were inside their vehicle when the suspect, Vance Smith (62), forcefully took control of the car.

During the crime, the female victim grabbed the steering wheel to stop the theft. Smith proceeded to drive recklessly, causing the female victim to fall out of the moving vehicle. Smith then ran over the male victim with the car before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing the scene on foot.

The Vista Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the male victim to Palomar Hospital. He sustained major injuries but is expected to survive.

Following the incident, the female victim positively identified Smith as the suspect. A coordinated search effort was conducted by the Vista Gang Enforcement Team (GET) deputies, patrol units, and detectives.

On Friday, April 10, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., detectives located Smith and placed him under arrest. Smith was transported and booked into the Vista Detention Facility (VDF). He is currently facing charges of carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon resulting in great bodily injury.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Vista Sheriff's Station.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office