FALLBROOK, Calif. — Authorities Monday are investigating an accident involving a man accused of impersonating a San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy in Fallbrook.
Just before 2 a.m., a deputy saw a car with flashing lights front and rear behind another on South Mission Road near Winterhaven Road, the agency said. The deputy then turned to help with what appeared to be a traffic stop.
When the deputy got there, he encountered a man who looked like a deputy in a black shirt with sheriff patches on it and a vest with the word “sheriff” printed on it.
According to the agency, the man ran back to his car and took off, leading to a short chase that was soon called off for safety reasons.
Later, the sheriff’s deputy came across a scene of the accident where he found the car he was chasing had crashed down an embankment. The suspect, who was not publicly identified, was removed from the vehicle and taken to a hospital in the region, officials said. He is charged with impersonating a police officer and evading arrest.
Officers found an airsoft gun in the car and a female passenger. She was not arrested.
The incident is under investigation.
Those who had information to share with investigators were asked to call the agency at 760-451-3100.
