Yesterday early morning, a high-speed pursuit transpired in El Cajon as law enforcement officials raced to apprehend a violent carjacking suspect from San Diego. Deploying new technology and teamwork, the El Cajon Police Department successfully detained the individual, putting an end to the manhunt for this dangerous fugitive.
A recent addition to the El Cajon Police Department's crime-fighting arsenal, the automated license plate reading (ALPR) program proved instrumental in detecting the stolen vehicle. The system's ALPR cameras alert officers when a vehicle reported stolen or wanted is detected within their jurisdiction. On that night, the system flagged a vehicle linked to a violent carjacking that had taken place in San Diego, according to the El Cajon government's official website.
Officers attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver, 26-year-old Lorenzo Rubio, refused to comply. Instead, he led them on a short chase before abandoning the vehicle and attempting to evade capture on foot. As the suspect sprinted away, he was spotted by the San Diego Sheriff's helicopter unit, which was able to track him down to a nearby rooftop. Upon discovery, the suspect engaged in a brief standoff with the officers at the scene, including two K9 units, before he was finally apprehended.
Authorities also found a loaded, unregistered handgun that Rubio attempted to discard while fleeing from law enforcement. Rubio is no stranger to the criminal justice system, as he has a lengthy arrest history and is currently on active parole. Adding to his rap sheet, he also had an active warrant for vehicle theft, per the El Cajon government's official statement.
Now in custody, Rubio is slated to face an array of charges stemming from the carjacking incident. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) will conduct the subsequent investigation, piecing together the details of the carjacking and determining the full extent of Rubio's alleged crimes.
Citizens who may have additional information about the carjacking incident are urged to contact the El Cajon Police Department at (619) 579-3311. For those who'd prefer to remain anonymous, the Crime Stoppers tip line can be reached by dialing (888) 580-8477.
