Escondido

A city councilman’s high-speed pursuit of a truck in an Escondido drive-by shooting led to the arrest of a suspect, a police spokesman said Tuesday.

First-term Councilman Kris Murphy, who was returning home from a football game about 10 p.m. Saturday, heard shots while driving near North Cedar Street and East Valley Parkway and saw a small pickup leaving the area, Escondido Police Lt. John Wilson said.

Murphy followed the pickup as it raced through city streets before moving onto Interstate 15 and then California 78. After getting the license number, Murphy abandoned the chase, which reportedly reached speeds of 80 m.p.h., Wilson said.

Murphy told police he was trying to get close enough to see the license plate or to draw police attention.

Wilson said he appreciated Murphy’s effort and was thankful the councilman was not injured.

The suspect was arrested Monday, but Wilson would not say what led to the arrest.

The shooting allegedly involved members of two Latino gangs, he said. A 17-year-old boy, who is not believed to be a gang member, was shot twice and taken to Palomar hospital in serious condition, Wilson said.

The name of the suspect, an 18-year-old male, was not available for release, Wilson said.