Man arrested on suspicion of trying to crack ATM

2:42 p.m. March 5, 2009

EAST COUNTY – A man suspected of trying to break into an ATM with a blow torch was arrested Thursday after a high-speed chase and crash, authorities said.

Sheriff's officials received a report about 6:20 a.m. that a man was trying to get into an ATM in front of a liquor store on Woodside Avenue and Channel Road in Lakeside, said sheriff's Sgt. Tom Poulin.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the machine.

About four hours later, a deputy spotted the suspect's vehicle, a white Chrysler PT Cruiser with blue rims, and tried to stop him. A chase ensued and wound through Lakeside, La Mesa and El Cajon on Interstate 8, reaching speeds as fast as 90 mph at times, Poulin said.

The 15-minute pursuit ended when the suspect crashed into a light pole at the corner of Fletcher Parkway and Cuyamaca Street in El Cajon. He then tried to run from deputies, but a sheriff's dog bit him on the arm.

The 52-year-old San Diego man was taken to a hospital to be treated for the bite wound and will be booked into jail, authorities said.

Deputies found a blow torch, a pellet gun, tools and marijuana in the car. Investigators are also looking at a series of similar blow torch cases that have been reported throughout the county in the past week, Poulin said.

– Kristina Davis