(Image Courtesy: City of Eastvale)
Police rendering of attempted carjacking suspect.

By Claire Lewis

Eastvale – Some form of carjacking has been around – probably since automobiles were invented – we just never hear that much about it.  It became more prevalent in the media around the mid-1980s.

Carjacking is a very violent and frightening concept, even more so when it happens in our own city.  The extreme threat to the victim, the public, and even the carjacker, is made all the more dangerous by the fact that these attacks are usually associated with another crime.  Intensity is escalated when a criminal needs to make a quick getaway from a crime just committed, or needs a vehicle to commit a crime.

According to the City of Eastvale, on Wed., Feb. 11, at approximately 9 a.m., Police Deputies responded to the 14200 block of Schleisman Road regarding an attempted carjacking.  The victim was stopped at the intersection of Schleisman Road and Archibald Avenue, waiting for the signal to change.  At that time an unknown male attempted to forcefully gain entry into her vehicle.  The victim was able to flee from the area without injury to herself or damage to her vehicle.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male adult; 30 to 40 years of age; tall, thin build; and a dark complexion with a mustache.  He was last seen wearing a baseball cap, jeans and a camouflage jacket.  Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call Investigator Merrill at the Jurupa Valley Station at (951) 955-2600.

While there are not many statistics available, a study conducted by the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) states that from 1992-1996, 49,000 carjackings and attempts occurred in the U.S.  About half of those crimes reported resulted in failure.  Of the completed carjackings, 92% were committed with a weapon, using a handgun the majority of the time.  Of the failures, 75% used a weapon – making it obvious that criminals needed to be armed to be taken seriously.

According to NCVS, carjackers have unknowingly driven off with infants in the backseat of the car, lending even more distress to the situation.  Other drivers have been traumatically pulled from their cars and left lying in the street, terrified and often injured.  As the criminal speeds away, surrounding vehicles and pedestrians are exposed to the recklessness.

What can you do to help prevent this terribly crime and keep safe?  According to Lt. Scott Forbes from the Eastvale Police Department, the following tips can help deter would-be carjackers.

• Drivers should keep doors locked and windows up when driving.
• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when stopped at a signal or parking your vehicle.
• Always leave room between you and the vehicle in front of you, in the event you need to leave the area quickly.
• Immediately call 911 if you are in danger.