A 34-year-old carjacker was in critical condition Sunday after he allegedly shoved his way into a Good Samaritan teen woman’s car in Pomona, forced her to drive at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour and was ejected when the BMW crashed into a tree.
The 19-year-old victim, a resident of Pomona, was taken to a hospital with moderate injuries from the crash, which was reported a little after 3 a.m. Saturday, the Pomona Police Department reported.
The hospitalized suspect, Jesus Mercado, 34, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, kidnapping and carjacking.
The woman told police she saw a disabled vehicle in the area of South Garey Avenue and the Pomona (60) Freeway and pulled over to assist the driver.
Mercado allegedly forced his way into her silver 2006 BMW 528i, placed a large kitchen knife to her chest and ordered her to drive.
The woman drove northbound on Garey Avenue and Mercado allegedly used his hand to press her leg down, forcing the car to reach speeds of more than 100 mph.
“Numerous times during the incident the suspect would grab the steering wheel and try to hit passing cars,” police said. “The victim fought over the control of the vehicle with the suspect, until they entered the intersection of South Garey Avenue and West Mission Boulevard.”
Police said Mercado was able to overpower her and pull the steering wheel, which caused the BMW to crash into a tree. He was ejected from the car and suffered critical injuries. The woman suffered moderate injuries from the crash.
Pomona Police asked anyone who witnessed the carjacking and crash to call them at (909) 620-2085.
—City News Service