Bystanders chased and detained a suspected car thief after he allegedly drove a stolen Tesla through a crowded pedestrian boardwalk in San Diego. Police said the vehicle struck a 25-year-old woman, who suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. The suspect, Juan Antonio Gonzaba, 39, was arrested after witnesses pursued him through a nearby parking area. He pleaded not guilty and remains held without bail while facing multiple charges.
The incident drew immediate attention because the Tesla allegedly traveled through an area occupied by pedestrians before the driver abandoned it and ran. A bystander wearing smart glasses recorded part of the pursuit and helped authorities document the events.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Tesla allegedly drives through crowded boardwalk |
| 2) | Woman suffers serious injuries |
| 3) | Bystanders pursue and detain suspect |
| 4) | Charges and criminal case |
| 5) | Potential prison sentence |
Tesla allegedly drives through crowded boardwalk
The incident occurred in San Diego after a Tesla allegedly entered a pedestrian walkway crowded with people. Witnesses said the vehicle moved rapidly through the boardwalk area, creating an immediate danger to pedestrians. Police told local media that the Tesla had been reported stolen.
Video showed Juan Antonio Gonzaba leaving the vehicle and running through a parking lot. The circumstances surrounding how the Tesla was allegedly taken were not detailed in the available reports. The vehicle was later shown in aerial footage from the scene.
Woman suffers serious injuries
A 25-year-old woman was allegedly struck as the Tesla traveled through the walkway. Prosecutors said she was transported to a hospital with a fractured spine, broken ribs and a cut that required 20 stitches.
The reported injuries made the incident more serious than a property crime or traffic collision. Authorities are investigating the alleged impact, the vehicle’s path through the pedestrian area and the events that followed the crash.
Bystanders pursue and detain suspect
Several bystanders pursued Juan Antonio Gonzaba after he allegedly abandoned the Tesla. Alex Srour, who was wearing smart glasses, said he chased the suspect and pushed him while he was running. The action caused Gonzaba to fall, allowing citizens to hold him until police took custody.
“I hear somebody behind me just scream like, ‘Watch out.’ And then I look and there’s like a Tesla just barreling at me going like 70 miles an hour,” Alex Srour said.
Alex Srour also said the Tesla sideswiped him and struck his bicycle as it moved along the boardwalk. He described a vehicle entering the pedestrian area as something people would not normally expect, underscoring the sudden nature of the danger.
Charges and criminal case
The San Diego Sheriff’s Office said Juan Antonio Gonzaba was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, hit-and-run and auto theft. Prosecutors said he has an extensive criminal history and is being held without bail at the San Diego Central Jail.
Gonzaba pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment. The case remains pending, and the allegations have not been proven in court. Authorities had not publicly provided additional details about the investigation in the available reports.
Potential prison sentence
If convicted on all charges, Juan Antonio Gonzaba could face up to 24 years in prison, prosecutors said. The possible sentence reflects the combination of the alleged vehicle theft, the reported injuries and the accusations that he fled after the collision.
The prosecution will need to establish the charges in court, while the defense will have an opportunity to challenge the allegations and evidence. The victim’s medical recovery and testimony from witnesses may become important parts of the proceedings.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A stolen Tesla allegedly entered a crowded San Diego pedestrian walkway. |
| 2 | A 25-year-old woman suffered a fractured spine, broken ribs and a laceration requiring 20 stitches. |
| 3 | Bystanders chased and detained the suspected driver. |
| 4 | The suspect faces assault with a deadly weapon, hit-and-run and auto theft charges. |
| 5 | A conviction on all charges could result in up to 24 years in prison. |
Summary
The San Diego incident began when a Tesla allegedly drove through a crowded boardwalk and struck a woman, then ended with bystanders pursuing and detaining the suspected driver. Juan Antonio Gonzaba has pleaded not guilty to charges connected to the alleged theft, crash and flight. The case will proceed through the courts, where prosecutors must prove the allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on the San Diego boardwalk?
A Tesla allegedly drove through a crowded pedestrian walkway, struck a woman and was later abandoned by the suspected driver.
What injuries were reported?
Prosecutors said the 25-year-old woman suffered a fractured spine, broken ribs and a cut requiring 20 stitches.
What charges does the suspect face?
The suspect faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon, hit-and-run and auto theft. He pleaded not guilty.
What sentence could follow a conviction?
Prosecutors said a conviction on all charges could result in up to 24 years in prison.