ENCINITAS — A vehicle rolled over and crashed north of Swami’s Beach following a police pursuit on Tuesday morning, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.
The incident began around 8:03 a.m. in the area of 2nd Street and West G Street after the driver of a white minivan involved in a minor vehicle collision failed to yield to law enforcement, according to Lt. Zheath Sanchez.
Law enforcement said a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop the driver for traffic violations. As the deputy approached the van, the driver, Koji Nagatfuka, 67, drove off. A pursuit ensued, with Nagatfuka allegedly reaching a speed of around 35 mph on a roadway wet from light rain.
After two blocks, the driver then collided with two parked vehicles in the 900 block of 2nd Street near Darshan Bakery and Cafe and Yoga Tropics. The collision caused the minivan to roll over, and deputies took the driver into custody without further incident.
Nagatfuka is facing a charge of felony evading a police officer.
NOTE: This story has been updated with additional information, including the driver’s name.
Check out Weekly Crime Reports and Daily Arrest Logs for up-to-the-minute arrest reports in North County. Read more local crime news here. For more information about arrests, cold cases and active alerts, please visit the San Diego County Sheriff’s website.
