A tragic carjacking incident in Norco has left a 79-year-old man dead after he was dragged and ejected from his vehicle. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department responded to the situation, which unfolded on Monday at around 12:30 p.m. at a gas station's car wash on Hidden Valley Parkway. The victim, identified by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office as James Norman of Corona, was vacuuming his Chevy Trailblazer when the suspect commandeered the SUV, dragging Norman in the process.
Authorities located Norman, who had suffered critical injuries consistent with being ejected from a vehicle, east of the carjacking scene on Hidden Valley Parkway. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Surveillance footage and witness statements are being reviewed to piece together the events of the crime, as reported by KTLA.
The investigation, now led by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Central Homicide Unit, quickly progressed with the discovery of the abandoned SUV near Polk Street and Magnolia Avenue in Riverside. A male was detained close to Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street in connection with the incident. Following further inquiries, 29-year-old Ryan Hewitt, also from Corona, was arrested and charged with carjacking and murder.
Investigators encourage anyone with additional information about this case to reach out. The tragedy has resonated through the community, reminding many of the persistent threats posed by violent crimes. Sheriff's officials highlighted that aside from the detained individual, no additional suspects are believed to be involved at this time. Hewitt awaits his day in court, held at the Robert Presley Detention Center, per details released by the Sheriff's Office.
