An Adelanto woman turned a Sunday afternoon bank visit into a scene of chaos when she allegedly carjacked a vehicle, dragging its owner in her attempted getaway. The dramatic confrontation unfolded in broad daylight outside the Bank of America on Highway 395, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner's Department.
Deputy A. Schwingel, who was on duty conducting an area check, spotted 21-year-old Jessi Betts as she entered another person's vehicle, igniting a desperate struggle with the rightful owner. The owner's arm was caught in the door, trapping him against the car as Betts reportedly floored the accelerator, dragging him across the parking lot and over a curb. The high-speed ordeal concluded with the vehicle slamming into a fire hydrant and fence, ending the victim's treacherous ride.
After the collision, Betts allegedly tried to flee the scene on foot but was caught by Deputy Schwingel, who observed her committing another disturbing act. "She threw herself onto the ground and started repeatedly slamming her head onto the cement," the Sheriff's Department stated. The deputy intervened to prevent Betts from further self-harm and secured her until medical teams arrived.
Both Betts and the carjacking victim received medical attention at the scene. A warrant for Betts’ arrest has been issued, pending her release from the hospital. Authorities are investigating the motives behind the carjacking. Anyone with further information about the incident has been urged to contact Deputy Schwingel at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station or leave an anonymous tip with We-Tip. This incident once again shakes the small community of Adelanto, raising unsettling questions about the safety in the small desert town.
