Man Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Vehicular Rampage Strikes 5 Vehicles in Vista

Francisco Gerardo Sustaita, 44, was arrested in Vista, California, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, following a destructive vehicular rampage that involved intentionally ramming his Toyota Tundra into at least five other vehicles. Sustaita is expected to appear in San Diego's North County Superior Courthouse tomorrow afternoon, as reported by Eva Knott in a recent tweet.

The incident began shortly after 2 p.m. when Sustaita deliberately crashed his Toyota Tundra into a vehicle in a Starbucks drive-through lane in the 1700 block of West Vista Way, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. He then fled the scene, only to intentionally collide with a second vehicle at the intersection of West Vista Way and North Emerald Drive.

As deputies attempted to intervene, Sustaita refused to stop, leading them on a pursuit during which he intentionally struck three more vehicles. His destructive spree concluded when his Tundra became disabled near Valencia Drive, prompting him to abandon the vehicle and flee on foot.

Deputies gave chase and apprehended Sustaita on the center median east of Valencia Drive. Authorities confirmed they were forced to use a WRAP restraint device to safely take him into custody. The Vista Fire Department responded to the multiple crash sites, where several individuals, including Sustaita himself, received treatment for minor injuries.

Sustaita has been booked into the Vista Detention Facility on multiple felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office stated that the motive behind the rampage remains unclear, and it has not yet been determined whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors. The Vista Traffic Unit continues its investigation into the incident.