A high-speed pursuit involving U.S. Border Patrol agents ended tragically on Tuesday afternoon, October 22, 2024, when a vehicle crashed on State Route 905 in Otay Mesa, resulting in two fatalities and one serious injury. The incident has raised questions about the circumstances leading to the pursuit and the subsequent crash.
Key Takeaways
- Two individuals died, and one was injured in a crash on SR-905.
- The crash involved a high-speed pursuit by Border Patrol agents.
- The deceased were confirmed to be from Mexico.
- Investigations are ongoing by multiple agencies.
Incident Overview
The collision occurred shortly after 2:20 p.m. on the westbound side of SR-905, near Britannia Boulevard. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a four-door Infiniti G35 was traveling at a high rate of speed when it crashed into a Caltrans truck parked on the roadside. The impact caused the car to roll over multiple times before landing on its roof.
Emergency services arrived on the scene approximately 15 minutes after the crash was reported. One individual was found dead at the scene, having been ejected from the vehicle, while another was transported to Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest with critical injuries. The CHP later confirmed that both deceased individuals were from Mexico, as stated by the Mexican consulate.
Details of the Pursuit
While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released limited information regarding the pursuit, it has been confirmed that the vehicle involved in the crash was the same one being pursued by Border Patrol agents. The circumstances leading to the pursuit remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Investigation and Response
The CHP, along with its Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. This team specializes in traffic collisions that require detailed analysis to determine the causes of the incident. Additionally, CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the actions of the Border Patrol agents involved in the pursuit to ensure that proper protocols were followed.
No injuries were reported among Caltrans employees or Border Patrol agents as a result of the crash. However, the incident caused significant traffic disruptions, with all westbound lanes of SR-905 closed for several hours while cleanup and investigation efforts were underway. Traffic was redirected between Britannia and La Media Road, and the closure lasted until just before 11 p.m.
Community Impact
The tragic loss of life has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting discussions about the safety of high-speed pursuits and their potential consequences. As investigations continue, community members are left grappling with the implications of this incident and the need for accountability in law enforcement practices.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available, and authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
Sources
- 1 dead, another injured during SR-905 crash in Otay Mesa – NBC 7 San Diego, NBC 7 San Diego.
- [10-22-2024] Fatal Crash on SR-905 in Otay Mesa, Arash Law.
- [10-22-2024] Fatal Crash on SR-905 in Otay Mesa, Arash Law.
- 2 die in crash after Border Patrol pursuit in Otay Mesa, San Diego Union-Tribune.
