Deerfield Beach Woman Carjacked at Gunpoint, Suspect Arrested

Miami, FL - A terrifying ordeal unfolded early Tuesday morning when a woman was carjacked at gunpoint while pumping gas.

The incident occurred shortly before 2:00 am at a Chevron gas station on West Hillsboro Boulevard.

The 28-year-old victim reported that while filling her white Volkswagen Jetta, she stepped away to smoke a cigarette.

Authorities report that a man later identified as Elias Orlando Caldoza, 28, of Miami, approached her wearing a black mask and brandished a firearm.

He demanded the keys to her car and her iPhone 14. Fearing for her life, the victim surrendered her belongings.

Caldoza fled the scene in the stolen vehicle, heading east on Hillsboro Boulevard.

Fortunately, Margate police located the car and pursued it until it crashed near Sample Road and the Sawgrass Expressway.

Caldoza abandoned the wrecked vehicle and attempted to escape on foot but was apprehended by Coral Springs police.

A background check revealed Caldoza is currently on probation for auto theft and classified as a "violent felony offender of special concern."

He now faces charges of armed robbery/carjacking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, violation of probation, and wearing a mask during a felony.

The Broward Sheriff's Office is handling the case.