Stolen Tesla Hits Pedestrian On Pacific Beach Boardwalk; Bystanders Detain Driver: Police

SAN DIEGO, CA — A pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a stolen Tesla driven onto the Pacific Beach boardwalk during a police pursuit Monday, authorities said.

San Diego police began pursuing the Tesla shortly after 12:30 p.m. after officers spotted it traveling south on Mission Boulevard, according to the San Diego Police Department. The vehicle's owner had reported it stolen and was tracking its location, police said.

The driver failed to stop for officers and struck an SDG&E transformer during the pursuit before continuing toward the boardwalk, according to police. A supervisor ended the pursuit because of the growing risk to the public.

Police said the Tesla then entered the boardwalk from Pacific Beach Drive and traveled north at high speed near pedestrians, striking one person. The pedestrian was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver abandoned the vehicle and ran, but nearby pedestrians detained the suspect until officers arrived and made an arrest, police said.

Police are investigating the incident as a felony hit-and-run and said the driver is suspected of being under the influence.