Auto Theft and Pursuit - Alpine
August 31, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that on August 19 around 3:30 a.m., 
two suspects stole an enclosed trailer containing a Polaris RZR off-road vehicle, tools and other miscellaneous items valued at approximately $50,000 from a storage lot in Alpine.
Video surveillance captured the theft and suspect vehicle. Deputies from the Alpine Sheriff's Station utilized automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to identify the suspect vehicle, the registered owner, and ultimately the second suspect.
The suspects were identified as Eric Leitzke (55) and Lindsey Newcomb (46). Leitzke has an extensive criminal history.
On Thursday, August 27, the Crime Suppression Team (CST) at the Alpine Sheriff's Station located and arrested Newcomb at a home in Lakeside. During a search of the home, deputies found some of the stolen items from the August 19 theft.
Meantime, Sheriff's Detectives located the vehicle Leitzke had used in the August 19 theft at a property in the Boulevard area. Before detectives could make contact with Leitzke, he drove away on a motorcycle. Detectives followed Leitzke until additional resources including Sheriff's Rural Enforcement patrol units and a Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter were available to support. Deputies initiated a traffic stop, but Leitzke failed to yield.
An approximate 60-mile pursuit ensued leading deputies to Pacific Beach. The pursuit was called off after Leitzke eluded law enforcement in narrow alleyways.
While the pursuit was ongoing, deputies from Rural Enforcement retraced the route of the pursuit where Leitzke had entered the Pine Valley Park in Pine Valley. During a search of the Pine Valley Park, a firearm discarded by Leitzke was located.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about Leitzke's whereabouts is asked to call the San Diego County Sheriff's Office at (858) 868-3200.
The ALPR camera system continues to be a valuable tool in enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement efforts to identify, locate and apprehend dangerous criminal offenders. This case highlights the critical role the system played in apprehending a suspect who posed a threat to the community.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office
