One killed, 4 injured in Pine Valley Jeep crash

A driver was killed and four passengers were injured Thursday in a crash in the Cleveland National Forest in Pine Valley, the California Highway Patrol said.

The crash was reported about 9:30 p.m. on Pine Creek Road near Deer Park, according to sheriff ’s Lt. Scott Roller.

A 20-year-old San Diego man was driving a 2009 Jeep Wrangler headed west on Pine Creek when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road, CHP Officer Matthew Baranowski said.

The Jeep went off the road and overturned. Baranowski said the driver was thrown from the Jeep and died at the scene. Two passengers were taken to a San Diego hospital for treatment of mild to moderate injuries and two others were treated at the scene.

Public help asked in theft of $300K in batteries

Detectives are seeking information from the public about thefts of utility-grade batteries worth approximately $300,000 from a Valley Center storage facility, sheriff ’s officials said Thursday.

More than 100 LG Lithium Power Cell batteries — each worth about $3,000 — were taken in late December through January from Valley Center Energy Storage Facility, Lt. Jim Emig said in a news release.

The batteries are not intended for personal use. They require a system to monitor the current, voltage, temperature and other conditions, according to the county Sheriff ’s Department. They also need strict environmental conditions to maintain temperature and a water-cooling system in case of overheating.

“If the batteries are not properly and securely installed,...” Emig said, “the batteries could fail, ignite or even explode.”

The Valley Center Sheriff ’s Station asked for anyone who may have purchased one of the stolen batteries or has information about the thefts to call the department at (760) 751-4400. Anonymous tips can be left with Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.