A suspected drug-impaired driver was arrested after an erratic pursuit through San Diego ended on Pacific Beach on Sunday morning. Police said the driver was seen performing donuts, nearly striking vehicles and possibly hitting curbs and a retaining wall. The pursuit was terminated twice before officers tracked the vehicle to the beach with help from a police helicopter. No injuries were reported, and the suspect was booked on felony evading, resisting arrest and driving under the influence of drugs.
| 1) | Witness reports trigger the initial response |
| 2) | Two pursuits are halted over safety concerns |
| 3) | Helicopter tracking leads officers to Pacific Beach |
| 4) | High-risk arrest unfolds before beachgoers |
| 5) | Suspect faces three criminal charges |
Witness reports trigger the initial response
The incident began shortly before 7:30 a.m. in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood after several witnesses called police to report reckless driving. According to police, the driver was operating a tan or gold Nissan Frontier and performing donuts in parking lots. Witnesses also reported that the truck nearly hit other vehicles and may have struck curbs and a retaining wall.
Officers reached the area within minutes and saw the pickup traveling west toward the ocean. The reports prompted an attempted traffic stop, but police said the driver failed to yield and fled, turning the situation into a pursuit.
Two pursuits are halted over safety concerns
Police initially ended the pursuit because they said the driver’s conduct showed an increasing disregard for public safety. The truck was later located, but officers said the driver again failed to stop, leading to a second pursuit.
That pursuit was also terminated. By that point, police said the Nissan was wanted in connection with felony evading. Officers then concentrated resources across the area to find the vehicle while limiting the immediate risks associated with continuing a high-speed chase.
Helicopter tracking leads officers to Pacific Beach
Officers eventually saw the truck moving slowly, but they did not attempt another stop immediately. Police waited until the department’s ABLE, or Airborne Law Enforcement, helicopter was overhead and able to track the vehicle.
The helicopter followed the Nissan as it drove onto the sand at Pacific Beach and continued toward the water. This aerial tracking allowed officers to monitor the vehicle’s movements and coordinate their response before moving in on the beach.
High-risk arrest unfolds before beachgoers
The driver was identified by police as 25-year-old Griffin Charles Foy. Video from the scene showed beachgoers watching as officers approached the pickup on the sand. Foy was seen outside the truck with his hands raised while officers moved to detain him.
Police said they conducted a high-risk vehicle stop because of the alleged violations and the reported threat to public safety. A police K-9 was present but was not deployed. Foy was taken into custody without further incident, and authorities said no one was injured during the pursuit or arrest.
Suspect faces three criminal charges
Foy was booked into San Diego Central Jail on charges of felony evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, obstructing or resisting a peace officer, and driving under the influence of drugs. The charges reflect the alleged conduct reported during the pursuit and the subsequent arrest.
Police have not reported injuries or additional arrests in connection with the incident. The available account identifies the alleged driver and the booking charges, while the case remains subject to the legal process.
| 1 | The pursuit began after witnesses reported reckless driving in Pacific Beach. |
| 2 | Police terminated two pursuits because of public safety concerns. |
| 3 | An ABLE helicopter tracked the truck onto the beach. |
| 4 | Officers arrested 25-year-old Griffin Charles Foy without further incident. |
| 5 | No injuries were reported, and Foy was booked on three charges. |
Summary
The pursuit ended without reported injuries after police used aerial surveillance to follow the suspected impaired driver onto Pacific Beach. Authorities said the decision to stop pursuing the truck earlier in the incident was based on the alleged danger to the public. Foy’s arrest and booking now move the matter into the court process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Griffin Charles Foy, 25, was arrested after police said he drove the Nissan Frontier onto Pacific Beach.
Where did the pursuit end?
The pursuit ended on the sand at Pacific Beach in San Diego, where officers moved in after an ABLE helicopter tracked the vehicle.
What charges does Foy face?
He was booked on felony evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, obstructing or resisting a peace officer, and driving under the influence of drugs.
Were there any injuries?
Police said no one was injured during the pursuit or arrest.
