SUSPECT WANTED FOR CARJACKING IN SANTEE: REWARD OFFERED

East County News Service

August 23, 2017 (Santee) – A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of an unidentified suspect who carjacked a vehicle at knifepoint on July 27 around 5 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot at 170 Town Center Parkway in Santee.  The suspect approached the victim from behind the car, punched and attempted to stab the male driver.

San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the Sheriff’s substation seek public help to identify the suspect.   According to the Sheriff’s department the suspect approached the victim from the back of the car and brandished a four to six inch grey or black, straight bladed, military style knife. He then punched the victim and demanded the victim give him the car.

The suspect lunged at the victim several times in an attempt to stab him, the Sheriff’s department reports.  Fortunately, the victim was able to get out of his car and leave the area as the suspect drove away from the scene in the victim’s car. The suspect was last seen driving the stolen car southbound on Town Center Parkway towards Mission Gorge Road.

The victim’s debit card was later used at the Jack in the Box, located at 4751 El Cajon Boulevard and at Santa Ana Fresh Mexican Food Restaurant, located at 4909 El Cajon Boulevard in the City of San Diego. The suspect was captured on surveillance video and matches the description of the suspect wanted in the carjacking incident. An artist’s sketch of the suspect has also been released.

The victim’s vehicle was recovered on July 28th in the Mid-City area of San Diego.

The suspect is described as a White male, approximately 25 to 35-years-old, 5’10” to 6’0” tall, weighing about 180 lbs. He was clean shaven with tattoos on both arms. He was last seen wearing a black hat, dark sunglasses, a dark colored shirt, and possibly dark colored Dickies pants.

Anyone with information on the identity or location of the suspect is asked to call the Santee Sheriff’s Station at (619) 956-4000 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case. Visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://www.sdcrimestoppers.org for more information on how to send anonymous web and mobile app tips.