(Riverside County Sheriff's Office)
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – A San Diego man was arrested Sunday after carjacking a vehicle at knifepoint, kidnapping the driver, and leading authorities on a vehicle pursuit in Riverside County, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at 9:12 a.m. at Haugen-Lehmann Way and Tamarack Road in Whitewater. They attempted to stop the stolen Nissan Altima, driven by Steven Mata, 33, of San Diego, but he fled, initiating a pursuit on eastbound Interstate 10 towards Palm Springs.
Due to Mata’s dangerous driving, the pursuit was temporarily discontinued. Palm Springs Police Department officers later located the vehicle on Indian Canyon Road, north of Tramview Road. Both occupants fled but were apprehended.
Further investigation revealed that Mata had carjacked the vehicle at knifepoint in the Calimesa area. The victim escaped in the Banning area and reported the crime.
Mata was booked into Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of carjacking, kidnapping, felony evading, and possessing a stolen vehicle.
The passenger, Claudia Ruelas, 24, of Riverside, was cited for an unrelated warrant and released. Authorities determined she was not involved in the vehicle theft.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Cabazon Sheriff Station at 951-922-7100.
