San Diego Carjacking in North City Ends With Arrest After Vehicle Tracking Leads to Yuma
Early-morning carjacking reported at a gas station
A suspected armed carjacking reported in San Diego’s North City area early Saturday ended with an arrest in Yuma, Arizona, after investigators used vehicle-tracking information to locate the stolen car.
San Diego police said the incident occurred shortly before 5 a.m. at a gas station in the 2750 block of Via de la Valle. A man fueling a Lexus ES-300 was approached by another man who displayed a handgun and demanded the vehicle, along with the victim’s wallet and cell phone. Police reported the victim was not injured.
Tracking data moves the case across state lines
After officers responded, investigators determined the Lexus was being tracked and showed up in Yuma, in the far southwestern corner of Arizona near the California and Mexico borders. San Diego police relayed the information to law enforcement agencies in Arizona, including Yuma police and the Arizona Highway Patrol.
Authorities reported that troopers attempted to stop the suspect once the vehicle was located, but the driver fled, triggering a vehicle pursuit. Police said the suspect was ultimately taken into custody following the pursuit.
What is known — and what remains unclear
As of the initial law-enforcement briefing, officials had not publicly released the suspect’s name, age, or potential charges in Arizona. No injuries were reported in connection with the carjacking itself, and police did not provide details about whether anyone was hurt during the pursuit or whether property other than the Lexus was damaged.
Investigators also did not release information about whether the handgun was recovered or whether it was loaded. The use of the term “brandishing” indicates police believe a firearm was displayed during the confrontation, but no further description of the weapon was provided.
Investigation assigned to San Diego Police robbery detectives
The case is being handled by the San Diego Police Department’s Robbery Unit. Cross-jurisdiction cases involving vehicle theft and robbery frequently require coordination on evidence collection, victim statements, and any charges that may be pursued in multiple venues.
Location of reported carjacking: 2750 block of Via de la Valle, San Diego
Reported time: shortly before 5 a.m. Saturday
Stolen vehicle: Lexus ES-300
Arrest location: Yuma, Arizona, following a pursuit
Police said the suspect demanded the car, wallet and cell phone and drove off in the Lexus; the victim was not injured.
Authorities asked anyone with information relevant to the case to contact SDPD’s Robbery Unit.