Teen arrested after crash kills another driver

A 17-year-old boy was arrested Friday night after reportedly rear-ending a man’s car while fleeing police, killing the 60-year-old driver, Escondido police said.

Investigators said the teen had just left a large party and was suspected of being drunk when the crash happened on Via Rancho Parkway near Lomas Serenas Drive about 10:45 p.m.

Officers were responding to complaints about the gathering in a neighborhood north of Kit Carson park when a white Dodge Charger nearly collided head-on with their patrol car, police said. Minutes later, another officer spotted the Charger speeding south on Via Rancho Parkway toward Interstate 15.

That officer attempted to stop the car, but the driver ran a red light, accelerated to more than 100 mph and collided with another vehicle, according to police.

The driver of the other car, an Encinitas resident, had to be extricated from the wreckage, police said. He was taken to a hospital where he died of his injuries. His identity will not be released until his family has been notified.

Police said the 17-yearold driver, of Escondido, fled after the crash but was arrested a short time later. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and faces several charges including vehicle homicide, felony evading police and driving under the influence.

Officers are working to identify the host of the party to determine whether that person bears any criminal liability for providing alcohol to the teen suspect.

Anyone with information about the crash was asked to contact Escondido police Officer Adan Martinez at (760) 839-4465.