Vehicle theft suspect injured trying to run across Berkeley freeway; second person escapes

BERKELEY — A vehicle theft suspect being pursued by a Contra Costa County deputy sheriff was injured Wednesday night when he was hit by an SUV on Interstate 80 after abandoning the disabled stolen vehicle and trying to flee on foot, authorities said.

The man suffered major injuries and was taken to a hospital. His age and residence were not released and his condition was not available Thursday.

A second suspect who was able to safely escape was being sought.

Authorities said that about 7:48 p.m. Wednesday, a Contra Costa County deputy saw an occupied stolen vehicle in San Pablo. The vehicle’s driver fled, driving down a sidewalk even before the deputy tried to stop them, sheriff’s spokesman Jimmy Lee said Thursday.

The deputy later caught up to the vehicle but terminated the pursuit when the driver piloted the car recklessly.

Another deputy spotted the vehicle later driving westbound on Interstate 80 and began chasing it, Lee said. The vehicle apparently had mechanical problems and stopped on the freeway west of Ashby Avenue before Powell Street.

The driver and passenger got out of the stopped vehicle and fled on foot into the eastbound lanes, Lee said.

The driver was hit by an SUV; the SUV driver was not hurt and remained at the scene, the California Highway Patrol said.

Lee said deputies provided first aid to the suspect until paramedics arrived on scene and transported him to a hospital.

Lanes in both directions were shut down during the search and subsequent investigation but were all reopened by 9:30 p.m., the CHP said.