A Moreno Valley man escaped from a potential kidnapper, leading to the subsequent arrest of a suspect, authorities say. Lieutenant Sam Morovich of the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station stated that the drama unfolded late Tuesday when a man was carjacked at gunpoint in the 24000 block of Sunnymead Boulevard.
Held at gunpoint and coerced into the driver's seat, the man feared for his life as he was forced to drive onto the 60 Freeway with the suspect beside him according to the Riverside Sheriff’s Department report. However, battling against fear and resignation, the victim saw an opportunity and took it; he fought back against his captor and, sustaining minor injuries during the skirmish, managed to escape.
The getaway vehicle didn’t stay out of reach for long. At around 11:30 p.m., the drama took a decisive turn. Deputies stationed at Perris Sheriff’s Station spotted the stolen car near Perris Boulevard and Harley Knox Road and swiftly coordinated a high-risk traffic stop. The driver, 47-year-old Jesus Gaytan of Moreno Valley, was arrested without a struggle, bringing an end to the victims' torrid ordeal.
Upon searching Gaytan, deputies uncovered a stash of methamphetamine, elevating the crime from a simple vehicular heist to something darker, deputies reported. Tucked away in the stolen car, authorities found a B.B. gun, believed by the authorities to be the weapon used in the carjacking. Gaytan was subsequently booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center, facing resolute charges of carjacking and drug possession.
While the investigation continues, the Sheriff’s Department urges anyone with additional information or video evidence to step forward and assist.
