Driver Chases Off Carjacking Suspect; Police Find, Arrest Man Hiding in Nearby Backyard

Carjacking suspects confronted the wrong driver Saturday in National City, and hours later authorities, after locating a man hiding under a car, arrested him.

The situation began when the male victim, driving a Mercedes, attempting to turn into an apartment complex on 11th Street, according to OnScene.TV. But a truck pulled up and two males, at least one of them believed to have been armed, exited and confronted the man.

The suspects persuaded the victim to get out of the Mercedes and attempted to rob him. But the victim, who it turns out holds a concealed weapons permit, took out a weapon and fired a shot, causing the suspects to flee on foot.

National City police responded to 911 calls, which included a report that a nearby resident saw a male jump over a fence and into a backyard.

At that point, K-9 units from National City and the San Diego Police Department joined the search, along with a San Diego County Sheriff’s Department drone unit.

Those conducting the backyard search were hampered by the amount of items cluttering the yard and, despite the drones, did not find anyone.

But after officers entered into the backyard, one noticed a vehicle with tarps covering it and spotted a man who had been lying quietly under the car a few yards from officers who had been standing in front of the house.

Once located, the suspect surrendered.