76-year old Fallbrook woman critically injured in Valley Center crash as felon tries to evade officers

A 76-year-old Fallbrook woman was critically injured this morning when a crash occurred in Valley Center as a result of a felon trying to evade law enforcement officers.

The scenario began today (April 25) at approximately 9:05 a.m., said Officer Jim Bettencourt, spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.

"A stolen 2007 Ford Focus was spotted traveling in Escondido," explained Bettencourt. "A 'be on the lookout' was broadcast to all agencies and shortly after the broadcast, San Diego Sheriff’s deputies observed the vehicle traveling near Cole Grade and Valley Center Roads."

"[Officers] attempted to initiate an enforcement stop on the vehicle," said Bettencourt. The vehicle was occupied by three people.

"The vehicle failed to yield and continued southbound on Valley Center Rd., reaching speeds of 80 mph," said Bettencourt. "At some point during the pursuit, the vehicle crossed over the median and started traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Valley Center Rd., north of Lilac Rd."

Bettencourt said that shortly after crossing into oncoming traffic, "the stolen vehicle collided head on into a 2003 Subaru Forester driven by a 76-year-old female from Fallbrook."

The woman sustained major injuries and was taken by medical helicopter to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego.

"The driver of the stolen vehicle, 33-year-old Jose Najara from San Marcos was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital with major injuries but is expected to survive," said Bettencourt.

An unidentified male sitting in the right front of Najara's vehicle 'was unrestrained and died from his injuries at Palomar Hospital. A female passenger in the right rear of Najara's vehicle, who was also unrestrained, sustained major injuries and was transported to Palomar Hospital. She is expected to survive.

Bettencourt said, "Once released from the hospital, Jose Najara faces several felony charges including: vehicular manslaughter, stolen vehicle, felony evading, and parole violations.

The investigation is being conducted by both the San Diego County Sheriffs Department and the California Highway Patrol.

Bettencourt said it is unknown at this time whether drugs or alcohol played a factor in this collision.