San Diego Carjacking Suspect Apprehended in Arizona

Police vehicle in Arizona desert during an arrest

San Diego, California, February 1, 2026

A man suspected of carjacking a Lexus ES-300 in San Diego was arrested in Yuma, Arizona, after armed threats at a gas station. The victim was unharmed during the incident, and authorities tracked the vehicle to Arizona, where a brief pursuit led to the suspect’s apprehension.

San Diego Carjacking Suspect Apprehended in Arizona

San Diego, California – A man suspected of carjacking a vehicle in San Diego’s North City neighborhood was arrested in Yuma, Arizona, on Saturday morning. The suspect, armed with a handgun, approached a man filling his Lexus ES-300 with gas at 2750 Via De La Valle shortly before 5 a.m., demanding the vehicle, wallet, and cell phone. The victim was unharmed. Authorities tracked the stolen Lexus to Yuma, where the Arizona Highway Patrol attempted to stop the suspect. After a brief pursuit, the suspect was apprehended. The San Diego Police Department’s Robbery Unit is investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact 619-531-2299 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Details of the Incident

At approximately 4:50 a.m. on Saturday, the suspect approached the victim at the gas station, brandishing a handgun and demanding the vehicle, wallet, and cell phone. The victim complied, and the suspect fled in the Lexus. The San Diego Police Department was notified and initiated an investigation. Utilizing vehicle tracking technology, authorities located the stolen vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. The Yuma Police Department and Arizona Highway Patrol were alerted and attempted to stop the suspect. After a brief pursuit, the suspect was apprehended without further incident. The victim was unharmed during the carjacking.

Background Information

Carjacking is a serious crime involving the forceful theft of a vehicle from its driver. In this case, the suspect’s swift flight to Arizona highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending individuals who cross state lines. The collaboration between San Diego and Arizona authorities underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in addressing such crimes. The San Diego Police Department’s Robbery Unit continues to investigate the incident, seeking to gather more information and determine if the suspect is connected to other crimes in the area. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened in the carjacking incident?

A man approached a victim at a gas station in San Diego’s North City neighborhood, brandished a handgun, and demanded the victim’s vehicle, wallet, and cell phone. The victim complied, and the suspect fled in the stolen Lexus ES-300.

How was the suspect apprehended?

Authorities tracked the stolen vehicle to Yuma, Arizona. The Arizona Highway Patrol attempted to stop the suspect, who fled. After a brief pursuit, the suspect was apprehended without further incident.

Was the victim injured?

No, the victim was unharmed during the carjacking.

Who is investigating the incident?

The San Diego Police Department’s Robbery Unit is leading the investigation into the carjacking.

How can I report information about this case?

Anyone with information is urged to contact the San Diego Police Department at 619-531-2299 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Key Features of the Incident

Feature Details
Location of Carjacking 2750 Via De La Valle, San Diego, California
Time of Incident Approximately 4:50 a.m., Saturday
Victim’s Vehicle Lexus ES-300
Suspect’s Actions Brandished handgun, demanded vehicle, wallet, and cell phone
Suspect’s Arrest Apprehended in Yuma, Arizona, after brief pursuit
Victim’s Condition Unharmed
Investigating Agency San Diego Police Department’s Robbery Unit
Contact Information 619-531-2299 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477


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STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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