Man driving stolen truck tries to evade officers in high speed chase through downtown Fallbrook

Many Fallbrook citizens that were out and about in the center sector of town Tuesday morning, Feb. 21, at shortly after 10 a.m. observed a high speed chase between law enforcement officers and the driver of a (faded) red pickup.

The situation started when local Sheriff's Deputy Domenic Carini spotted a vehicle matching the description of one reported stolen a short time prior in Vista.

"Vista patrol deputies had just broadcasted for everyone to be on the look out for a stolen truck," explained Sgt. Joe Montion of the Fallbrook Sheriff's substation.

Carini spotted a man driving what he thought may have been the stolen pickup southbound on S. Mission Road near Ammunition Road, with a female passenger inside.

"As Carini got closer, he confirmed it was the truck that had been reported stolen," said Montion.

The officer then attempted to make a traffic stop on the truck.

"The driver failed to yield to the officer and a pursuit ensued," said Montion. "The pursuit traveled north through the heart of Fallbrook and on various streets in town before heading south on S. Mission Road again."

After traveling along S. Mission, the driver turned onto Via Monserate. As the vehicle approached Estate Road, the female passenger jumped out of the truck while it was still in motion.

"[The female passenger] sustained minor injuries and was taken to Palomar Hospital," said Montion. The passenger's name and age was not released, but Montion did state that "she was not arrested."

The driver of the truck proceeded south on Via Monserate, then westbound onto State Route 76.

"He ultimately attempted to make a rapid turn and lost control at State Route 76 and Ramona Drive, running into some bushes," said Montion. "He was then quickly taken into custody without further incident."

James Mark Charles, 47, was arrested and booked into the Vista Jail on charges of auto theft and felony evading an officer with wanton disregard for safety. Based on information from the Sheriff's Dept., it appears that James Charles has two strikes on his record – a prior violent felony conviction and a prior non-violent felony conviction. Bail has been set at $526,000.