While an assigned Tustin police officer was investigating an auto theft that had just occurred, a nearby officer located the just stolen vehicle.

The vehicle immediately fled from the officer and a pursuit around the Tustin Marketplace ensued. The suspect circled the marketplace numerous times – even passing the original location of the theft and the assigned officer.

The suspect eventually fled on foot from the vehicle and ran past the assigned officer as he was heading to his vehicle. The officer gave chase and, after a brief dance-off, successfully took the suspect into custody without further incident.

The suspect, who is on probation out of Riverside County for carjacking, was found to be the suspect in an earlier purse snatch and fraudulent credit card purchases.

The suspect was taken to the OC Central Jail for vehicle theft, felony evasion, fraud and a plethora of other felony violations.

Thanks to a swift response by nearby officers, this prolific offender was taken into custody and two victim’s had their property returned minutes after the thefts.