SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- One man is behind bars after a series of events in Rancho Penasquitos, including nearly running over a firefighter.
Around 2:30 p.m. California Highway Patrol received a report of a reckless vehicle on SR-76 near Cole Grade Road Monday. The blue Toyota RAV4 was reported after unsafely passing vehicles and speeding in the area.
Shortly after, CHP reported that the driver - Falahi Abrahim - was involved in a crash and started a brush fire.
Shortly after Cal Fire responded to the fire, 37-year-old Abrahim from fled the scene - nearly hitting the firefighter who was trying to help him.
Police officers followed, but Abrahim refused to stop and a pursuit began. The pursuit continued westbound on SR-76 to I-15 and transitioned to I-15 Southbound. The vehicle continued to flee from officers on I-15 Southbound and exited the freeway at Camino Del Norte where the vehicle progressed eastbound.
During the chase Abrahim failed to stop for two red lights at separate intersections and officers discontinued the pursuit in the interest of public safety.
A San Diego Police Department helicopter continued to follow the car, communicating Abrahim's location to the CHP.
At 3:11 p.m. the driver stopped near the 10000 block of Carmel Mountain Road. After a short foot pursuit, Abrahim was taken into custody and arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence of a drug and felony evading charges.
The incident involving the assault of the firefighter at the collision scene is still under investigation.
