Stolen car chase ends on Gunn Stage Road

A stolen car pursuit that began at Barona Casino ended on Gunn Stage Road Monday night with deputies tracking down the driver after he fled on foot, reported the sheriff’s department.

Around 11:15 p.m., deputies from the sheriff’s Santee station were called to investigate a report of an unoccupied stolen vehicle in the casino’s parking area, however, before they arrived two people were seen entering and driving the vehicle away, reported Sgt. David Hale at the Santee station.

When deputies located the vehicle and tried to conduct a traffic stop, the driver sped north on Wildcat Canyon Road, according to the report.

Deputies pursued the vehicle into Ramona to the north end of Gunn Stage Road where the vehicle was driven up a large embankment and landed on top of a dirt hill, stated the report.

The driver left the vehicle and fled on foot but deputies located him with the assistance of ASTREA. Deputies from the sheriff’s Ramona station also assisted, said Lt. Rich Williams.

The driver, Julian Formo, was taken to Palomar Medical Center for evaluation and treatment and will be charged for possession of a stolen vehicle, said the sheriff’s department.

According to authorities, he had previously been incarcerated and was released from jail that morning.