A driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he drove a car off a steep embankment in a restricted area Sunday night in Santee Lakes, leaving other three passengers with serious injuries, San Diego police and sheriff's officials said.
The crash happened at approximately 7:30 p.m. at Summit Avenue near Summit Crest Drive, northeast of Santee Lakes.
Four men driving in a Ford Explorer somehow went off a steep embankment, causing the SUV to roll over multiple times. The men may be cited for driving in the restricted area, officials said.
San Diego Sheriff’s Department officials identified the man driving the SUV as Nathan Smoltz.
After the crash, one of the victims used a cell phone to call for help, officials said.
Following the call, a helicopter made three separate trips to airlift victims of the crash to Woodglen Vista Park. From there, an ambulance took three victims to nearby hospitals.
The fourth victim was flown directly to Sharp Memorial Hospital with critical injuries.
No further information was immediately available.
