Santa Ana man suspected of an attempted carjacking arrested in Yorba Linda

A Santa Ana resident, Juan Hernandez, 28-years old, was arrested today after seven hours of searching by Orange County Deputy Sheriffs.  He is suspected of trying to carjack a woman in a Trader Joe’s parking lot in Yorba Linda, at the Country Club Shopping Center located at 19655 Yorba Linda Blvd., according to the O.C. Register.

Hernandez approached a woman as she left the grocery store – he opened her driver’s-side door then he demanded that she turn over her purse and her car keys.  Then he pushed her into the car and started to choke her before attempting to turn on the car.

When the car failed to start, Hernandez ran off.

The Deputies cordoned off the area and were aided by a helicopter but by 8:40 pm they had about given up.  However they left a few unmarked cars in the area – in case Hernandez showed up again.

At around 11:45 pm a man who fit Hernandez’ description tried to leave via Imperial Highway – he was trying to get to where his girlfriend was going to pick him up.

Deputies arrested Hernandez on suspicion of robbery, carjacking, kidnapping and criminal threats.