Vehicle Pursuit in Spring Valley 

October 24, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, shortly after 7:00 p.m., Vernon Leslie Harris IV (40) became involved in a verbal dispute with another male regarding his driving behavior on Par Drive in unincorporated La Mesa. During the incident, Harris observed the victim photographing his pickup truck with a cellphone. Harris exited his vehicle, approached the victim, forcibly took the cellphone from the victim’s hand, and fled the scene.

Deputies responded and used tracking information to locate the victim’s phone in the 400 block of El Cajon Boulevard in the city of El Cajon. Deputies observed Harris’ pickup truck and attempted a traffic stop. Harris failed to yield, and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The pursuit lasted more than 1 hour and 40 minutes, during which Harris ran at least one stop sign and one red light and swerved across multiple traffic lanes. The pursuit covered approximately 50 miles and reached speeds up to 60 mph. With assistance from allied law enforcement agencies, deputies deployed three tire deflation devices, successfully bringing the pursuit to a peaceful end.

Harris was arrested on suspicion of robbery, evading a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, and committing a felony while out on bail. He was transported to the San Diego Central Jail.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident is urged to call the San Diego Sheriff's Rancho San Diego Station at (619) 660-7090.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office