The man accused of stealing a Tesla and driving into a woman on a San Diego beach boardwalk has been identified as a career criminal with what authorities described as an “extensive criminal history.”
Juan Antonio Gonzaba, 39, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from Monday’s chaotic police pursuit, during which he allegedly took the Tesla and seriously injured a 25-year-old woman.
If convicted on every count, Gonzaba could face as much as 24 years and eight months in state prison.
Authorities allege Gonzaba stole the Tesla in La Jolla. Officers spotted him at about 12:30 p.m. and tried to stop the vehicle, but he reportedly accelerated away.
The pursuit continued until the Tesla struck an electrical transformer near the road. Gonzaba allegedly kept driving toward the Pacific Beach Boardwalk, forcing frightened pedestrians to scramble out of his path.
Police said the woman suffered two fractured ribs on her right side, two fractured vertebrae and an abdominal laceration. She remained hospitalized Wednesday.
“A lot of people dove out of the way very quickly and it really could have been so much worse,” Candace Hadley, a San Diego Fire Department public information officer, told NBC San Diego on Monday.
“This is a very busy boardwalk, having someone drive through this area is incredibly frightening,” Hadley added.
Gonzaba eventually left the Tesla behind and ran from the scene. Bystanders pursued him, while one witness recorded the unusual chase using Meta smart glasses.
Alex Srour was wearing the glasses when he saw the commotion. He joined the pursuit on foot before officers caught up with Gonzaba and arrested him.
Details of Gonzaba’s criminal record emerged soon after the arrest.
According to NBC 7, Gonzaba has an “extensive criminal history” that includes allegations involving assault, battery, burglary and grand theft.
His court appearance Wednesday was reportedly almost as disorderly as the events that led to his arrest.
During the arraignment, Gonzaba allegedly behaved erratically and began striking his head against a glass wall. The judge also had to tell him repeatedly to remain quiet.
Investigators suspect Gonzaba was under the influence when the incident occurred. Blood-test results are still pending.
